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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). Leaders have been gathered by me global heads of state during the period before 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 speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles when it acts together and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting Earth and humankind. 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.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. 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. We want the world to see the true state of the forests, the planet’s largest river basin, and the millions of people who live in the region. 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 jointly address this emergency, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, but justice. 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. 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 Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). 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 to tackling climate change. 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 vowed to cut its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

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 advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. In the long run, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate 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.

We cannot forget that 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change must be directly linked to the fight against 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 failed to prevent wars. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for establishing a UN climate 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 a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".