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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges when it acts together and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis showed that decisive global action is possible when there is courage and political will.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists 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. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties stays as the fixed basis for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not as aid, but justice. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is doing its part. In only two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other countries.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. We are a leader in biofuels and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to fund a fair, structured energy shift will be essential. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge that the most vulnerable sectors of our society suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation of the UN security council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.