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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Cop30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, 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 our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges through united efforts and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible with bravery and governmental determination.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, 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. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to witness the reality of the Amazon. Our aim is for global observation of the true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, and the millions of people who live in the region. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or yearly meetings for delegates. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They should now fulfill their obligations, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and those who invest in the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through 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 every economic area. In this spirit, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. In the long run, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, we hear many promises 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”.