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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders during the period before the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not only in the Cops, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned officials to the rainforest: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment to the planet.

People have demonstrated their capacity to overcome great challenges when it acts together and is guided by science. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively 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 adopted principles that defined 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, 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 witness the reality of the Amazon. Our aim is for global observation of the true state of the forests, the planet’s largest river basin, 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, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation of any climate pact. 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 repaying what they owe.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

At Belém, we are introducing an innovative initiative to preserve forests: 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 contributors to the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Leading by example, Brazil has pledged $1 billion to the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other nations.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (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 urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

Shifting energy sources is crucial to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, as 88% of our power is renewable. 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 is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre 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 must aim to combat inequality.

It's crucial to remember that 2 billion people lack access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we are introducing in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our pledge to combat climate change should be closely tied to the effort to end hunger.

It is also fundamental that we push for changes in international governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation of the UN security council. Created to preserve 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. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock 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”.