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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed 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 and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges through united efforts and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic 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 principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting 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. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held 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, 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. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not as aid, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just 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 Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions by 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 implement them effectively.

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 excel in biofuel production and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition 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.

People must be at the centre of political decisions about climate and the energy transition. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, 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 equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for establishing a UN climate council linked 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 an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises yet few concrete actions follow. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the "truthful Cop".