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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém conference commences prior to the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not just in climate conferences, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

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 when there is courage and political will.

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 targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting 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 in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This is an opportunity for politicians, diplomats, scientists, activists and journalists to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. 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. 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 jointly address this emergency, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities stays as the fixed basis for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not out of charity, 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 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 Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as an investment fund, rather than a charity system. 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 announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

Shifting energy sources is crucial 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.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to fund a fair, structured energy shift will be essential. Over time, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre of political decisions about climate and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge that society's most at-risk groups suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.

It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.

It is equally essential that we push for changes in international governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation 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 establishing a UN climate council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure 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 but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.