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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the UN's 30th climate summit (Cop30). I have convened global heads of state during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond rhetoric to tangible steps, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation and international politics more broadly. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges when it acts together and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively when there is courage and political will.

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. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and targets for reducing greenhouse gas 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 in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to witness the reality of the Amazon. Our aim is for global observation of 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 yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality 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 remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited 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 doing its part. In only two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, 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 a financial investment tool, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious 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 progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to fund a fair, structured energy shift will be essential. In the long run, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies must aim to combat inequality.

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 commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked 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. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council connected 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 overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.