Global Leaders Forge Path Away from Fossil Fuels at Historic Santa Marta Summit

Introduction

In a groundbreaking gathering held in Santa Marta, Colombia, from 24 to 29 April, 57 nations came together to chart a course away from fossil fuels. This first-of-its-kind summit, representing one-third of the world's economy, produced concrete plans for national roadmaps, new mechanisms to tackle harmful subsidies, and strategies to reduce carbon-intensive trade. Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, an oil crisis, and intensifying climate impacts, the conference provided a rare space for frank dialogue on the barriers and opportunities in the shift to clean energy.

Colombian and Dutch Leadership

The idea for a dedicated fossil-fuel transition conference emerged during the tense final negotiations at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil. There, a coalition of around 80 nations pushed for a formal “roadmap” away from fossil fuels in the conference outcome text, but the effort ultimately fell short. In response, Colombia and the Netherlands jointly announced they would co-host a follow-up summit in Santa Marta in April. The Brazilian COP30 presidency later committed to developing an informal fossil‑fuel roadmap, drawing on the discussions held in Santa Marta.

The Santa Marta conference featured a multi‑day structure: a “science pre‑conference” (24–25 April), a day dedicated to subnational governments, parliamentarians, and other stakeholders, and a “high‑level segment” with ministers and climate envoys (28–29 April). Colombian environment minister Irene Vélez Torres, a former academic, stressed the central role of science, telling journalists: “We need t” (the exact quote was cut off in the source, but her emphasis on evidence‑based policy was clear).

A Refreshing New Format

Co‑hosts Colombia and the Netherlands designed the summit as a series of small, closed‑door working sessions rather than the traditional large plenaries. Many participating countries described the format as “refreshing”, “highly successful”, and “groundbreaking”. The intimate setting allowed ministers and envoys to have open and honest conversations about the real obstacles they face in shifting away from coal, oil, and gas.

Science Pre‑Conference and New Panel

More than 400 academics from around the globe attended the two‑day science pre‑conference. A key outcome was the launch of a new Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition, which will provide agile, bespoke analysis to help countries accelerate their transition away from fossil fuels. The panel aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy needs, delivering tailored recommendations.

Key Outcomes and Commitments

At the conclusion of the summit, participating countries agreed to develop national roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels. They also gained access to new tools designed to address harmful subsidies and carbon‑intensive trade. Specific details of these tools are expected to be refined in the coming months, but the commitment signals a significant step forward in international cooperation.

Another major announcement was that Tuvalu and Ireland will co‑host the second “Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels” summit, scheduled for 2027 in the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu. This choice underscores the summit’s focus on vulnerable nations and the need for inclusive, equitable transitions.

Indigenous and Civil Society Participation

The summit included dedicated sessions for Indigenous peoples and civil society organisations, ensuring that voices from the frontlines of climate change and fossil‑fuel extraction were heard. Their contributions helped shape the discussions on justice, equity, and the social dimensions of the transition.

Colombia’s Own Fossil‑Fuel Roadmap

Colombia, as host, presented its own preliminary plan for phasing down fossil‑fuel production and consumption. The roadmap outlines steps to diversify the economy away from coal and oil while ensuring a just transition for workers and communities. Details remain under development, but the initiative demonstrates leadership from a major fossil‑fuel producer.

Context from COP30

The summit’s outcomes must be viewed against the backdrop of the Belém COP30, where the push for an explicit fossil‑fuel roadmap in the formal decision text was blocked by a handful of nations. Nevertheless, the Brazilian presidency has promised to release an “informal” roadmap later this year, drawing heavily on the Santa Marta discussions. This informal document is expected to influence future negotiations and national policies.

Looking Ahead

The Santa Marta summit has set a new precedent for focused, science‑based, and inclusive dialogue on phasing out fossil fuels. With the next gathering already planned for Tuvalu in 2027, the momentum for a managed, equitable transition is building. While challenges remain—particularly around subsidies, trade, and geopolitical tensions—the commitments made in Santa Marta provide a tangible foundation for action.

For further reading, see the section on the science panel and key outcomes.