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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 during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication 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 and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis showed that decisive global action is possible when there is courage and political will.

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 Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters 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. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities stays as the fixed basis for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

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

In Belém, we will launch a novel program for forest conservation: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also set an example by being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. In this spirit, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. 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.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. Over time, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise that society's most at-risk groups 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 two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we will launch 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 push for changes in international 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 fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the time for action plans has arrived. That is why today we begin the "truthful Cop".