Historic Santa Marta Summit Charts Path for Global Fossil Fuel Phase-Out with 57 Nations Pledging Action

Global Leaders Gather in Santa Marta to Accelerate Fossil Fuel Transition

The first-ever International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, from 24–29 April 2025, brought together 57 countries—representing one-third of the world’s economy—to discuss concrete strategies for moving away from coal, oil, and gas. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, a global oil crisis, and intensifying extreme weather events, ministers and climate envoys engaged in open, solution-focused discussions on overcoming barriers to clean energy adoption.

The summit, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, introduced a novel format designed to foster collaboration rather than formal negotiations. Participants described the event as “refreshing,” “highly successful,” and “groundbreaking.”

Key Outcomes and Commitments

At the conclusion of the summit, Tuvalu and Ireland were announced as co-hosts for the second edition, scheduled to take place in the Pacific island nation in 2027.

The conference produced several critical deliverables:

• National roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels, tailored to each participating country’s economic and energy context.
• New tools to address harmful fossil fuel subsidies and carbon-intensive trade practices.
• A “science pre-conference” attended by 400 global academics, which launched a dedicated Science Panel for Global Energy Transition to provide rapid, tailored analysis for nations seeking to accelerate their shift to clean energy.
• A final outcomes report summarizing actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.

Colombia and Netherlands Lead the Charge

The concept for the summit originated during the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, where a coalition of around 80 nations pushed for explicit language on a “roadmap” away from fossil fuels in the final COP30 outcome text. While this proposal did not succeed, the Brazilian presidency committed to advancing an informal fossil-fuel roadmap, drawing on discussions from Santa Marta.

Colombia’s environment minister, Irene Vélez Torres—a former academic—emphasized the central role of science in guiding policy decisions. She stated:

“We need to go back to science and base our decisions on science.”

The summit’s high-level segment, held from 28–29 April, was structured as a non-negotiation forum, prioritizing open dialogue over formal commitments. This approach was widely praised by ministers and envoys, who highlighted the collaborative and solution-oriented atmosphere of the breakout sessions.

Academic Collaboration and Science-Driven Solutions

The science pre-conference, held from 24–25 April, convened 400 researchers from around the world to discuss evidence-based pathways for energy transition. The newly established Science Panel for Global Energy Transition will deliver rapid, customized analyses to support nations in designing and implementing effective policies.

Inclusion of Indigenous and Civil Society Voices

The summit incorporated perspectives from Indigenous leaders and civil society organizations, ensuring that diverse stakeholders contributed to the discussions on equitable and sustainable energy transitions.

What’s Next for Global Fossil Fuel Transition?

The Santa Marta summit marks a pivotal moment in global climate action, signaling a shift from rhetoric to tangible planning. With national roadmaps, scientific backing, and a commitment to phased action, participating nations are laying the groundwork for a future less dependent on fossil fuels. The next summit, hosted by Tuvalu and Ireland in 2027, will build on these efforts, further solidifying the international momentum toward a cleaner energy economy.