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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 to ensure collective dedication 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 only in the Cops, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: 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 when it acts together and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively with bravery and governmental determination.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and adopted principles that defined 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 – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. 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. 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 must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To jointly address this emergency, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, not just through pledges 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.

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 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. 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 being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to implement them effectively.

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 are a leader in biofuels and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the energy transition. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.

It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with 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 fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental that we push for changes in international governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. 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 linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises 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 "truthful Cop".