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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the UN's 30th climate summit (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles when it acts together and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. 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. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and principles were embraced that established a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – from ending 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 in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To jointly address this emergency, 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. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not as aid, but justice. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and those who invest in the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements 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 by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. In this spirit, 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 matrix is among the cleanest in the world, 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 will be essential. 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 of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, which is why just transition and adaptation plans must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget 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 statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.

It is equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility 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 ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

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. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.