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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the UN's 30th climate summit (Cop30). Leaders have been gathered by me 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 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 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. 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.

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 Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

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 observe the Amazon's actual conditions. We want the world to see the forests' real status, the planet’s largest river basin, and the millions of people who live in the region. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

To confront this crisis together, financial support is essential. It's crucial to acknowledge that the concept of shared yet varied duties remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands greater access to resources – not as aid, 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 honouring their debts.

Brazil is fulfilling its role. Within just two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the TFFF fund. Its novelty lies in functioning 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 to tackling climate change. Leading by example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we anticipate similarly bold pledges from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through being the second nation to submit a fresh NDC. Brazil has committed to reducing 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 implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial for achieving Brazil's climate goals. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We excel in biofuel production and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to fund a fair, structured energy shift will be essential. Over time, global petroleum firms, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, 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 society's most at-risk groups 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 technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. In response, we are introducing 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 advance the reform of global governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation of the UN security council. Established to maintain peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility 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 force and legitimacy to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and a practical move towards reversing the current paralysis in global cooperation.

At every climate conference, numerous commitments are made but see too few real commitments. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. That is why today we begin the “Cop of truth”.