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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). I have convened world leaders during the period before the conference so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

Should we not progress past rhetoric to tangible steps, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation and international politics more broadly. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

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

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, global attention 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 forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the millions of people who live in the region. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. 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 greater access to resources – not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. 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 announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also set an example by being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

Shifting energy sources is crucial to meeting Brazil’s NDC. 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 progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. Over time, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.

It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential 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. Hence, it is our responsibility to advocate for reforming this body. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.