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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", 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 is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible when there is courage and political will.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to witness the reality of the Amazon. We want the world to see the forests' real status, Earth's biggest river system, and the millions of people who live in the region. 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, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties stays as the fixed basis for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, not just through pledges but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. 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 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 fund will compensate forest preservers and those who invest in the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

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 every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries 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, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. In the long run, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society suffer the most from environmental effects, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.

It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential that we push for changes in international governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. At Cop30, we will advocate 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 an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.

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. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.