A major international climate conference aimed at accelerating the global phaseout of fossil fuels is set to hold in Colombia, with more than 50 countries expected to participate in what is being described as the first gathering of its kind.
The meeting, scheduled for April 28 and 29 in the Caribbean city of Santa Marta, comes amid rising global energy tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, which has disrupted oil supply routes and intensified concerns over energy security.
According to organisers, the conference is taking place against a backdrop of wartime fuel shortages, rising global oil prices, and renewed competition for energy resources.
The International Energy Agency has previously described the situation as one of the most severe oil supply shocks in history.
The initiative was originally conceived out of frustration with United Nations climate negotiations, where attempts to secure a binding agreement on phasing out fossil fuels have repeatedly stalled due to lack of consensus among member states.
However, officials said the current geopolitical crisis has added urgency to the discussions. Colombia’s Environment Minister, Irene Vélez Torres, noted that the evolving energy landscape has given the meeting “greater relevance,” particularly as countries reassess long-term energy dependence.
She explained that participating nations collectively account for a significant share of global fossil fuel production and consumption, making their engagement critical to any future transition strategy.
The conference is expected to include representatives from major producers such as Australia, Canada, and Norway, alongside developing oil economies including Brazil, Mexico, and Angola.
Coal-dependent and emerging economies such as Turkey and Vietnam are also expected to attend. In addition, several European nations including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom will participate.
However, some of the world’s largest fossil fuel producers including the United States, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, would not be present at the gathering.
The absence of these major players has raised questions about the scope of the discussions.
Analysts suggested that while the meeting may help build momentum among willing nations, its impact could be limited without broader global participation.
Climate scientist Bill Hare of Climate Analytics noted that larger groupings often struggle to reach strong agreements due to differing national interests.
He warned that expanding participation could dilute the likelihood of decisive outcomes.
Despite such concerns, Colombian officials argue that the inclusion of producer nations is a significant breakthrough.
Vélez Torres described it as a “major step forward,” stressing the importance of creating an “honest space” where difficult energy conversations can take place openly.
She acknowledged that transitioning away from fossil fuels is complex but insisted that bringing all stakeholders together is essential for progress.
Some participating countries have also expressed optimism. Tuvalu’s Climate Minister, Maina Talia, said the meeting represents a long-overdue opportunity to advance discussions outside the constraints of the UN framework.
The conference comes at a time when global investment in clean energy continues to grow, now reportedly outpacing fossil fuel investments by a wide margin.
Despite this shift, global carbon emissions reached record levels in 2025, highlighting the continued reliance on coal, oil, and gas.
Energy analysts warned that the current geopolitical instability may temporarily increase coal consumption in some regions as governments prioritise supply security over climate targets.
Vanuatu’s Climate Minister, Ralph Regenvanu, said the ongoing crisis reinforces the need for urgent action, describing it as a clear signal for all countries to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Nearly 200 countries previously agreed at COP28 in 2023 to transition away from fossil fuels, but implementation has since faced resistance and delays.
Subsequent climate talks, including COP30 in Brazil, struggled to reach consensus on explicit fossil fuel commitments.
Experts said the Santa Marta meeting is not intended to replace UN climate negotiations but to complement them by allowing a smaller coalition of willing states to explore practical steps forward.
According to climate policy analyst Beth Walker of E3G, the discussions may not produce immediate major announcements but could help establish the foundation for a voluntary roadmap toward reducing fossil fuel dependence.
While outcomes remained uncertain, organisers believe the conference could mark an important step in reshaping global energy dialogue at a time of rising climate and security challenges.
