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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to witness the reality of the Amazon. We want the world to see the forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. And we must recognise that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not out of charity, but justice. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch a novel program for forest conservation: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as a financial investment tool, rather than a charity system. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

The energy transition is fundamental for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, as 88% of our power is renewable. We are a leader in biofuels and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Channeling oil earnings to fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. Over time, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget that 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental that we push for changes in international governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.