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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). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders during the period before the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed the climate crisis demands.

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 leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles through united efforts 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 principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving Earth and humankind. 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 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 true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, 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 confront this crisis together, financial support is essential. 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 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 a novel program for forest conservation: 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 to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. 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 will be essential. Over time, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus 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, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we are introducing in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change must be directly linked to the fight against hunger.

It is equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis 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 “Cop of truth”.