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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond 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 officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges when it acts together and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis 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 new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists 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 numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. That is why the global south demands greater access to resources – not out of charity, but justice. Wealthy nations have gained 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 TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning 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 nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. With this mindset, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold 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, as 88% of our power is renewable. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to fund a fair, structured energy shift 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 of political decisions about climate and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans 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. In response, we are introducing 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 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 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. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.