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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, 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 in the days leading up to 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, our societies will lose faith – 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 make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate our collective dedication's gravity toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges through united efforts and is guided by science. The ozone layer was safeguarded by us. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively 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 gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting 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 witness the reality of the Amazon. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, 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. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

At Belém, we are introducing a novel program for forest conservation: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as a financial investment tool, rather than a charity system. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach to tackling climate change. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in 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 by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases 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 for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production 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. Over time, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the shift to clean energy. It's important to acknowledge that the most vulnerable sectors of our society 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 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 also fundamental that we push for changes in international governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Established to maintain peace, it has failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore 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 guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The era of declarations of good intentions has ended: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.