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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the UN's 30th climate summit (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders 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 rhetoric to tangible steps, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles when it acts together and is guided by science. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis 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 principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – including halting deforestation by 2030 to tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held 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. We want the world to see the true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To jointly address this emergency, we need resources. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach 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 countries.

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 all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, 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 will be essential. Over time, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices 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.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis within the UN Security Council. Established to maintain peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore 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 force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. 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".