More than 50 nations will take part in a groundbreaking international conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, next week aimed at discussing the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels, as global energy tensions linked to the Iran conflict highlight continued dependence on oil, gas and coal.
The meeting comes amid wartime fuel disruptions, rising energy prices and growing concerns over energy security following instability in key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The situation has been described by the International Energy Agency as the largest oil supply shock in history, adding urgency to global energy discussions.
Organisers say the crisis has strengthened arguments for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, even as some countries consider temporarily increasing coal use to stabilise domestic supply. The conference, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, was initially planned months earlier but has gained added significance due to recent global developments.
Colombia’s Environment Minister Irene Vélez Torres said the summit provides a “more honest space” for dialogue outside traditional United Nations climate negotiations, where consensus on fossil fuel phase-out strategies has often stalled due to political disagreements.
The event is expected to include participation from major fossil fuel producers such as Australia, Canada, Norway, Angola, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey and Vietnam, alongside countries including Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Together, these nations represent a significant share of global fossil fuel production and consumption.
However, several major producers including the United States, China, Saudi Arabia and Russia will not attend, raising questions about the summit’s long-term impact on global policy coordination.
Experts note that while investment in clean energy continues to grow, fossil fuels remain the dominant driver of climate change, with global emissions reaching record highs in 2025. The ongoing energy crisis has also led some countries to reconsider coal usage as a short-term solution.
Climate analysts say the conference represents an attempt by a coalition of willing nations to build momentum outside formal UN frameworks. While no major binding agreements are expected, discussions in Santa Marta are intended to contribute to a voluntary global roadmap for transitioning away from fossil fuels, led in part by Brazil.
