Over 50 Nations Gather in Colombia for Historic Push to End Fossil Fuel Dependence

Representatives from more than 50 countries are convening in Colombia this week to develop a comprehensive strategy for transitioning away from coal, oil, and natural gas, marking the first-ever global conference dedicated to phasing out fossil fuels.

The unprecedented gathering, taking place in the coastal city of Santa Marta from April 24 to 29, emerges from widespread frustration following last year's UN climate conference. Despite backing from over 80 countries, those talks failed to secure a binding commitment to eliminate fossil fuels after petrostates including Russia and Saudi Arabia blocked the measure.

Building Momentum for Change

Cristian Retamal, Chile's former representative at annual UN climate negotiations, views the Colombia conference as a potential catalyst for establishing a new international political movement focused on fossil fuel elimination. He draws parallels to the 1990s, when a coalition of nations pushed climate issues onto the UN agenda.

"In the '90s, climate became an issue at the UN level because a few countries decided to start working on that and pushing for the UN system to address the issue," Retamal told DW. "Broad international interest from all levels shows that the world recognized the need to end the fossil fuel era, despite the impasse at COP."

Who's Attending and Who's Missing

The conference brings together an unusual coalition. While it includes major fossil fuel producers like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Norway, along with numerous European Union member states and the European Commission, the world's largest oil, coal, and gas producers—the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia—will not attend.

Despite these absences, environmental organizations including Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund have characterized the meeting as a historic assembly of a new "coalition of the willing."

From Discussion to Implementation

According to a spokesperson for Stientje van Veldhoven-van der Meer, the Dutch minister of climate and green growth, the focus has shifted decisively. "It is implementation time, no more discussions on ambitions," the representative stated. "We will start concrete work with a group of countries with shared views on what a transition away from fossil fuels looks like and what is required: decrease supply and demand."

A key element of this shift involves tackling the estimated $920 billion in annual fossil fuel subsidies worldwide—funding that artificially inflates the apparent economic value of coal, oil, and gas compared to renewable alternatives.

The Renewable Energy Advantage

Recent data suggests momentum is shifting toward clean energy. According to energy research organization Ember, renewable sources—led by solar power expansion in China and India—surpassed global electricity demand for the first time in 2025. Renewables, including solar, wind, and hydropower, now comprise more than one-third of the world's electricity generation.

The recent energy crisis stemming from the Iran conflict has further exposed the dangers of fossil fuel dependency, prompting calls for accelerated transition away from these energy sources.

Significant Obstacles Remain

Madeleine Wörner, a climate and energy specialist at German aid organization Misereor, cautioned against excessive optimism. The conference, she stressed, is "not a magic wand" that will resolve decades of entrenched economic and political challenges.

Multiple complications loom ahead. Major corporations could pursue compensation claims under investor-state dispute settlement agreements if fossil fuel facilities are shuttered ahead of schedule. Tens of millions of workers worldwide depend on the fossil fuel industry for employment, raising critical questions about economic transition and social protection.

Retamal acknowledged that binding agreements or treaties may require several years to negotiate, with delegates needing to address complex legal, trade, and labor issues alongside environmental objectives.

Notable Absences and Limited Representation

Colombia and the Netherlands, the co-hosts, are sending their climate ministers and respective leadership. Germany, however, will be represented only by Jochen Flasbarth, secretary of state for the environment—a decision Wörner criticized as insufficient given Germany's influence on climate policy.

The conference structure distinguishes itself from traditional negotiations. The initial days will feature discussions involving civil society groups, academic experts, and corporate representatives, with political leaders joining for the final two days of talks.

"Transitioning away from fossil fuels reduces exposure to both external dependencies and to toxic pollution, enables more stable development and strengthens self-determination and democracy," said Lili Fuhr, director of the Fossil Economy Program at the Center for International Environmental Law.