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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). Leaders have been gathered by me global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. 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.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges when it acts together 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 when there is courage and political will.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. 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, 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, 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 as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Setting an 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 by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, as 88% of our power is renewable. We excel in biofuel production and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant 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 suffer the most from environmental effects, 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 technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we will launch in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential that we push for changes in international governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation of the UN security council. Established to maintain 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 linked 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 a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis 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 "truthful Cop".