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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of 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 acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. 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 toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and scientific guidance. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively 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 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.

More than three decades later, the world returns to Brazil to confront climate change. 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. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the millions of people who live in the region. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To jointly address this emergency, financial support is essential. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. This is why developing nations call for greater access to resources – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. 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, 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 a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation 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 present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

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 are a leader in biofuels and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge 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 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 will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental 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 advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. 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”.