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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Cop30). I have convened global heads of state in the days leading up to the conference so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency that the environmental emergency requires.

Should we not progress past speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, but in multilateralism and international politics more broadly. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to establish this as the "truthful Cop", the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

Humanity has shown its ability to overcome great challenges when it acts together and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. The global response to the Covid-19 pandemic proved that the world can act decisively with bravery and governmental determination.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, 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 tripling renewable energy capacity.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. There's a reason why Cop30 is being held deep within the Amazon jungle. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. We want the world to see 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 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 stays as the fixed basis for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands greater access to resources – not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not just through pledges but by repaying what they owe.

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

In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and those who invest in the fund. A true mutually beneficial strategy for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other nations.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions from 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and every economic area. In this spirit, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold NDCs and to execute them thoroughly.

The energy transition is fundamental to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy matrix is among the cleanest in the world, 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 fund a fair, structured energy shift is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, since an economic model reliant on fossil fuels is unsustainable.

People must be at the centre of political decisions about climate 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 two billion individuals have no access to clean cooking methods and fuels, and over 673 million face hunger. In response, we will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming must be directly linked to the effort to end hunger.

It is equally essential that we push for changes in international governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, we hear many promises but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".