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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). Leaders have been gathered by me world leaders during the period before the conference so that we can all commit to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

If we fail to move beyond speeches into real action, our societies will lose faith – not only in the Cops, and in international cooperation along with global diplomacy in general. This is the reason for convening leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, 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 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 principles were embraced that established a new paradigm for preserving Earth and humankind. During the last three decades, 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, global attention returns to Brazil to confront climate change. 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 observe the Amazon's actual conditions. Our aim is for global observation of the forests' real status, Earth's biggest river system, and the numerous inhabitants of the area. Cops cannot be mere showcases of good ideas or yearly meetings for delegates. They should serve as encounters with actuality and opportunities for real steps against environmental shifts.

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. That is why the global south demands greater access to resources – not out of charity, but as fairness. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They should now fulfill their obligations, 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 Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, rather than a charity system. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to 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 being the second nation to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions by 59% to 67%, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we call on all countries to propose similarly bold 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, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We are a leader in biofuels and are advancing in wind, solar and green hydrogen energy.

Redirecting revenues from oil production to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition will be essential. In the long run, global petroleum firms, such as Brazil's Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

People must be at the centre in climate policy choices and the energy transition. We must recognise that society's most at-risk groups are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies should target reducing disparities.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we will launch in Belém a declaration on hunger, poverty and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.

It is also fundamental that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, international cooperation is hindered by the stagnation within the UN Security Council. Created to preserve peace, it has failed to prevent wars. Hence, it is our responsibility to fight for the reform of this institution. At Cop30, we will advocate for the creation of a UN climate change council connected to the General Assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the power and credibility to guarantee nations fulfill their pledges, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, 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. This is why we commence today the "truthful Cop".