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Today, in the Brazilian Amazon, the Belém conference commences prior to the UN's 30th climate summit (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders 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, and in international cooperation and international politics more broadly. This is the reason for convening officials to the rainforest: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the moment we demonstrate the seriousness of our shared commitment toward Earth.

People have demonstrated their capacity to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and is guided by science. 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.

The Earth Summit was held in Brazil back in 1992. We approved the conventions on climate, biodiversity and desertification, and principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving Earth and humankind. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – including halting 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 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 should serve as encounters with actuality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To confront this crisis together, we need resources. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands increased resource availability – not as aid, but as fairness. 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 doing its part. Within just two years, we have already halved deforestation in the Amazon, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch a novel program for forest conservation: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). It is innovative because it operates as an investment fund, rather than a charity system. The fund will compensate forest preservers and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach 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 countries.

We also set an example by becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has committed to reducing its emissions from 59% to 67%, including all emission types and every economic area. With this mindset, we call on all countries to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, as 88% of our power is renewable. We are a leader in biofuels and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. In the long run, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will transform into energy companies, 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 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 2 billion people lack access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and 673 million people still live with hunger. To address this, we will launch in Belém a statement 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. Created to preserve peace, it has not stopped conflicts. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. This would form a fresh governance framework with the power and credibility to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and a practical move towards overcoming the present deadlock in global cooperation.

During each environmental summit, numerous commitments are made yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".