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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). 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 that the environmental emergency requires.

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 make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles when it acts together and is guided by science. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic showed that decisive global action is possible with bravery and governmental determination.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined 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 – including halting deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. 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 true state of the forests, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts 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. And we must recognise that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They should now fulfill their obligations, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, rather than a charity system. 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 set an example by becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases 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 excel in biofuel production and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to fund a fair, structured energy shift will be essential. In the long run, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices 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 must aim to combat inequality.

It's crucial to remember that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with 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. 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 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, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.