Santa Marta, Colombia – A landmark international conference in Colombia has marked a turning point in global climate diplomacy, with governments, experts, and civil society groups moving beyond debates over fossil fuel phase-out to focus on how to implement it in practice.

The First International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, held in the Caribbean port city of Santa Marta from April 24–29, brought together representatives from more than 50 countries alongside thousands of organisations and community groups. The gathering, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, is widely seen as an effort to fill gaps left by recent UN climate talks, particularly the lack of concrete agreements on fossil fuel phase-out at COP30 in Brazil.

From pledges to implementation

One of the clearest outcomes of the Santa Marta meeting was a shift in global climate discussions—from whether to phase out fossil fuels to how to do it.

Participants emphasised the need for practical tools, including national and global roadmaps, financing mechanisms, and policy frameworks that can guide countries through a managed transition away from coal, oil, and gas.

The conference aimed to build what some described as a “coalition of the willing”—countries prepared to move ahead with concrete action even as broader UN negotiations continue to face political deadlock.

While no binding agreements were expected, the meeting focused on creating momentum, coordination platforms, and shared strategies that could feed into future climate negotiations.

Financing emerges as the central challenge

A dominant theme throughout the conference was the difficulty of financing the energy transition, particularly for developing countries.

Delegates highlighted that many nations in the Global South face high debt burdens and limited access to investment, making it difficult to shift away from fossil fuels without external support.

Experts stressed that without significant increases in climate finance—alongside reforms to global financial systems—many countries may remain locked into fossil fuel dependence.

The discussions also explored ways to mobilise private sector investment and redirect public funds currently supporting fossil fuels. According to research presented during the conference, fossil fuels still receive far more public financial support than clean energy globally, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Equity and justice at the centre

The Santa Marta conference placed strong emphasis on ensuring that the transition away from fossil fuels is both equitable and inclusive.

Indigenous leaders and representatives from vulnerable communities played a prominent role, warning that the shift to clean energy must not replicate the environmental and social harms associated with fossil fuel extraction.

They called for safeguards to protect land rights, ecosystems, and livelihoods, as well as greater recognition of Indigenous knowledge in shaping climate solutions.

At the same time, developing countries argued that they should not bear the financial burden of a crisis largely driven by historic emissions from wealthier nations. This has intensified calls for debt relief, fair financing mechanisms, and stronger international cooperation.

A platform for new global frameworks

The conference also served as a testing ground for new ideas on global governance of the energy transition.

Among the proposals discussed were a global roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, as well as the potential development of a Fossil Fuel Treaty to complement the Paris Agreement.

Such initiatives aim to address gaps in existing climate frameworks, which primarily focus on reducing emissions rather than directly managing fossil fuel production and supply.

Participants stressed that national policies alone are insufficient, given the interconnected nature of global energy markets. Instead, coordinated international action will be needed to ensure an orderly and predictable decline in fossil fuel use.

Political signals and limitations

Despite its significance, the Santa Marta conference stopped short of delivering binding commitments or new financial pledges.

Instead, it concluded with a set of next steps, including the creation of working groups on financing and labour transitions, as well as plans for continued dialogue among participating countries.

Observers noted that some major fossil fuel producers and consumers—including key global emitters—were not fully engaged in the process, highlighting ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Nevertheless, the conference was widely viewed as an important political signal, demonstrating growing international willingness to address fossil fuel phase-out more directly.

Linking to future climate negotiations

The outcomes of the Santa Marta meeting are expected to influence upcoming climate negotiations, particularly COP30 follow-up processes and preparations for COP31.

Brazil, as COP30 President, is already working on advancing a global roadmap for fossil fuel transition, and the discussions in Santa Marta are likely to feed into that effort.

The next conference in this series is set to be hosted by Tuvalu, a Pacific island nation on the frontlines of climate change, reflecting a growing emphasis on the voices of vulnerable countries in shaping global climate policy.

A response to global instability

The urgency of the transition was reinforced by the broader geopolitical context surrounding the conference.

Recent conflicts and energy price shocks have highlighted the economic and security risks associated with fossil fuel dependence, adding momentum to calls for a shift towards more resilient and sustainable energy systems.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro used the platform to warn that fossil fuel dependence is contributing to global instability, arguing that a transition to cleaner energy is essential not only for climate goals but also for long-term peace and prosperity.

A cautious but significant step forward

While Santa Marta did not produce immediate policy breakthroughs, it succeeded in reframing the global conversation on fossil fuels.

By bringing together governments, civil society, and experts in a more flexible and collaborative setting than traditional UN negotiations, the conference helped identify practical pathways for action and build political momentum.

Analysts say its true impact will depend on whether countries translate these discussions into concrete policies, investments, and international agreements in the months ahead.

Looking ahead

As the global community grapples with the realities of climate change, the Santa Marta conference signals a shift toward more pragmatic and coordinated approaches to the energy transition.

The challenge now is turning ambition into action—ensuring that plans are implemented, financing is mobilised, and the transition is carried out in a way that is both just and sustainable.

Whether Santa Marta marks the beginning of a new phase in global climate cooperation will become clearer as countries prepare for the next round of international negotiations.