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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me global heads of state during the period before the conference so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles 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 when there is courage and political will.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, 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 – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held 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, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, financial support is essential. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. 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 should now fulfill their obligations, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

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

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to 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 nations.

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%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold 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 progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. In the long run, oil companies worldwide, such as 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 society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, 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 should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Established to maintain peace, it has not stopped conflicts. 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 connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock 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 “Cop of truth”.