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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, 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 so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – 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 occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges when it acts together 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 principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving 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 tripling renewable energy capacity.

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 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 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. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

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

In Belém, we will launch a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. Setting an example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. 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 is vital. In the long run, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre of political decisions about climate and the energy transition. We must recognise that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, 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 cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the fight against hunger.

It is equally essential that we push for changes in international governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation 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. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises 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 "truthful Cop".