It has been announced that Colombia will host the first global summit dedicated to phasing out fossil fuels in April 2026. This event represents an unprecedented milestone for the country. This proposal emerged at a delicate moment of international alert, due to reports showing an accelerated expansion in the use of fossil fuels, despite climate goals. This meeting will unite countries, experts, and communities with the aim of building a safer and more sustainable energy future. The event provides an opportunity for the leadership of the Global South to be strengthened on the environmental agenda, and this event could redefine the pace of the energy transition.
Colombia as an agent of transformation for the global energy transition
The current scenario in which Colombia was chosen to host the event in 2026 is quite worrying. Some governments have decided to double the supply of fossil fuels by 2030, exceeding by more than 120% the levels agreed upon in the Paris Agreement. This was one of the main reasons for the country’s decision to convene an international meeting to accelerate the energy transition.
Colombian Minister Irene Vélez stated that the meeting marks a decisive moment for the country and the world, highlighting that the Global South needs to lead the processes of change towards cleaner energy systems. There is an expectation that this meeting will be a chance to build a path that redefines the current model, which has fueled the environmental and social crises in the world.
The proposal for the event received support from vulnerable nations, such as Vanuatu. Minister Ralph Regenvanu highlighted that the transition is not only environmental, but also a matter of survival. This is because climate change affects islands with storms, coastal erosion, and loss of territory; this increasing climate change puts the very continuity of communities at risk.
The advancement of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Proposal
The decision for this conference is the result of discussions among 17 countries, specifically those working in favor of creating a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The objective of this treaty is to establish international commitments among countries to encourage the planned reduction of coal, oil, and gas consumption.
Some government leaders, such as Tzeporah Berman, believe that the Colombian initiative is an important step in transforming political support into concrete actions in favor of the energy transition. The plan is to follow previous international treaties that achieved important prohibitions, such as the ban on nuclear weapons. These treaties previously gained strength through diplomatic conferences.
What will the event be like, and what is expected to happen there?
The event in Colombia was designed to bring together government leaders from various regions of the world, experts, rural communities, indigenous peoples, industry leaders, activists, and academics. For the organizers, for lasting solutions to emerge, different sectors must engage in dialogue.
The climate conference in Colombia will promote new paths that are viable, socially just, and economically accessible. The expectation is to prevent the energy transition from further deepening inequalities or leaving entire regions without assistance and support.
What can we expect from the global scenario with this event?
Colombia’s announcement to host a climate event marks a new phase, especially focused on the global debate about ending the use of fossil fuels, and to this end, the country has decided to create a space focused exclusively on this agenda.
The 2026 conference will have the support of governments, organizations, and communities, and therefore, there is an expectation of its potential to boost new agreements and accelerate treaty commitments. The event is not limited to debating technology or statistics, but positions itself in favor of the energy transition. The world is waiting to see if this call for a future beyond fossil fuels will succeed.
