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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the UN's 30th climate summit (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.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, public trust will diminish – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles when it acts together 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. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting 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 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 true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Climate conferences must not just display concepts 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. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities stays as the fixed basis of any climate pact. 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 fossil fuel economies. They must now rise to their responsibilities, 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, showing that concrete climate action is possible.

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. 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 true mutually beneficial strategy to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. With this mindset, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. 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.

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 transform into energy companies, because a growth model based 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 suffer the most from environmental effects, which is why just transition and adaptation plans should target reducing disparities.

It's crucial to remember that two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, 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 should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Today, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation of the UN security council. Established to maintain 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 connected to the General Assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made 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 “Cop of truth”.