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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened global heads of state during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to taking swift measures with the necessary speed that the environmental emergency requires.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles 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 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 Earth and humankind. Over the past 33 years, these meetings have yielded key accords and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

After over thirty years, the world returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. 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 forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. It's crucial to acknowledge that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. This is why developing nations call for increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited 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 doing its part. In only two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

At Belém, we are introducing 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 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 nations.

We also set an example by being the second nation 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 call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We are a leader in biofuels and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. In the long run, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

Individuals should be the focus in climate policy choices and the energy transition. 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 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Established to maintain peace, it has failed to prevent wars. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for the creation of a UN climate change 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 a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the time for action plans has arrived. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.