Santa Marta, Colombia — More than 50 countries have called for the creation of a new legally binding international mechanism to phase out fossil fuels, marking a significant shift in global climate diplomacy at the opening of a landmark conference in Colombia.

The call came during the high-level segment of the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands in the Caribbean port city of Santa Marta. Ministers and senior officials from over 55 nations used the opening plenary to express frustration with existing climate frameworks and to demand a more decisive, coordinated global response to fossil fuel dependence.

Speakers repeatedly highlighted what they described as a structural failure of current multilateral processes, particularly those operating under consensus rules, which they said have allowed fossil fuel interests to delay meaningful action. Many argued that international climate negotiations have long focused on emissions rather than directly addressing fossil fuel production itself.

Colombia’s Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres, who co-hosted the conference, said the gathering represented a turning point in global cooperation. She urged participating countries to move beyond what she described as “de facto vetoes” in multilateral systems and to embrace collective action among willing nations.

“We are governments of more than 50 countries,” she said, noting that those present account for roughly one-third of global oil consumption and a similar share of global GDP. “That represents undeniable collective power.”

The urgency of the discussions was underscored by references to a recent advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, which found that certain fossil fuel activities — including production, licensing, and subsidies — could constitute internationally wrongful acts under international law. Several countries cited this opinion as reinforcing the legal basis for stronger global action.

Delegates from climate-vulnerable nations, particularly small island states, were among the most vocal advocates for a binding agreement. Tuvalu’s Minister for Home Affairs, Climate Change, and Environment, Maina Talia, said decades of negotiations had failed to confront the root causes of the climate crisis.

“At COP30 in Belém, we saw attempts to include a roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, but it fell short,” he said, pointing to deep divisions among countries. “Here in Santa Marta, we have an opportunity to move from discussion to solutions.”

The conference is closely linked to the growing momentum behind the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, a coalition of countries and civil society groups advocating for a global treaty to manage the decline of coal, oil, and gas. Ahead of the high-level segment, ministers from 18 participating countries met and formally called for negotiations on a new international instrument as a key outcome of the conference.

Officials from countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific attended the ministerial meeting, reflecting a broad coalition that includes small island developing states, least developed countries, and fossil fuel-dependent economies.

Panama’s climate envoy Juan Carlos Monterrey delivered one of the most pointed critiques of the current system, arguing that global climate negotiations have effectively “bulletproofed” the root cause of the crisis.

“For thirty-four years, we have negotiated the symptoms,” he said. “Emissions have doubled. Oceans are warmer than ever. Fossil fuels are not just dirty — they are dangerous, unreliable, and must end.”

Several speakers stressed that any new mechanism must ensure a “just transition,” balancing environmental goals with economic realities. Malawi’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Chipiliro Brian Mpinganjira, said countries must work together to move away from fossil fuels without deepening economic hardship.

“This is the time to make difficult but necessary decisions,” he said, adding that the proposed treaty could help align governance, financing, and technology to support cleaner alternatives.

Pacific island nations also pushed for stronger commitments, with Vanuatu calling for a global framework to manage a “just, orderly, equitable and rapid” phaseout of fossil fuels. Officials argued that the absence of binding international rules governing fossil fuel production remains a critical gap in climate governance.

Civil society representatives echoed these concerns, urging governments to ensure that any agreement includes clear provisions on phasing out subsidies and supporting communities dependent on fossil fuel industries.

The Santa Marta conference itself is the result of a multi-year effort by a group of countries seeking to break the political deadlock in traditional climate negotiations. The idea emerged from ministerial discussions in late 2024, with Colombia offering to host the first meeting in 2025. Organisers say the process is intended to complement, not replace, the United Nations climate framework, while accelerating progress on fossil fuel phaseout.

Looking ahead, Tuvalu has announced plans to host the second conference, signaling an effort to maintain momentum and expand participation.