For decades, Brazil has consistently been the first nation to take the podium at the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This tradition dates back to the early years of the UN, specifically 1947, when Oswaldo Aranha, a Brazilian diplomat, presided over the assembly. At that time, many nations were reluctant to be the first to speak, fearing the political risks of setting the tone for the session. Brazil stepped forward to fill the void, and the practice has continued uninterrupted ever since.

While there is no formal UN rule mandating that Brazil must speak first, it has become an established diplomatic courtesy. The United States, as the host country, traditionally speaks second. Following these two, the order of speakers is generally determined by the level of representation—typically heads of state or government—and the order in which requests are received by the Secretary-General.

Some diplomatic observers note that this tradition serves as a point of national pride for Brazil, reinforcing its status as a significant player in international diplomacy. While other nations have occasionally questioned why the order remains static, the tradition persists largely because no other country has actively challenged the arrangement or sought to claim the opening slot for themselves. The process remains a unique example of how informal customs can become institutionalized within international organizations over time.