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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (Cop30). I have convened world leaders during the period before the conference so that we can all commit to taking swift measures with the necessary speed that the environmental emergency requires.

Should we not progress past rhetoric to tangible steps, 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 leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges through united efforts and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. 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. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and principles were embraced that established a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. During the last three decades, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. 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 witness the reality of the Amazon. We want the world to see the true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality 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 out of charity, but as fairness. Wealthy nations have gained the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, not just through pledges but by honouring their debts.

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 an investment fund, not a donation mechanism. The fund will compensate forest preservers and those who invest in the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other countries.

We also set an example by being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

Shifting energy sources is crucial to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. 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, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the shift to clean energy. We must recognise that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential that we push for changes in international governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation of the UN security council. Established to maintain peace, it has failed to prevent wars. Hence, it is our responsibility to advocate for reforming this body. At Cop30, we will advocate for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, we hear many promises yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".