Colombia will host the First Global Congress for the Elimination of Fossil Fuels, a gathering that will take place on April 28 and 29, 2026, in the city of Santa Marta. The event will bring together political leaders, scientists, communities, and international organizations with a common goal: To accelerate the transition toward an energy future free of coal, oil, and gas.
The event will be co-hosted by the governments of Colombia and the Netherlands, an alliance that reflects both nations’ commitment to climate action and to seeking structural solutions to the environmental crisis.
First Global Congress for the Elimination of Fossil Fuels: a congress with political and technical focus
The congress will be structured around two main pillars. On one hand, there will be a high-level political session with the participation of heads of state, ministers, government representatives, and international leaders. This space will be dedicated to discussing commitments, cooperation mechanisms, and joint strategies to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels.
On the other hand, specialized technical sessions will be held, where experts in energy, climate change, economics, just transition, and sustainable development will debate concrete proposals. These working groups will allow for the presentation of projects, the exchange of experiences, and the development of tools that can be applied in different national and regional contexts.
One of the congress’ most notable features will be its inclusive nature. In addition to governments and specialists, a relevant role will be given to Indigenous peoples, local communities, and civil society organizations, recognizing that the energy transition is not only a technological or economic issue, but also a social, cultural, and territorial one.
A response to gaps in global climate negotiations
The decision to convene this congress emerged following the most recent international climate discussions, where no strong agreements were reached on the gradual elimination of fossil fuels. In response, Colombia and the Netherlands promoted the idea of creating a specific space to advance a clearer and more ambitious global roadmap.
Sophie Hermans, Minister for Climate and Green Growth of the Netherlands, stated, “There is clear momentum to phase out fossil fuels, and now is the time to seize it. We must begin to materialize what this gradual elimination could look like.”
The central objective of the meeting will be to design an international strategy to guide the reduction and eventual elimination of fossil fuels, while promoting the development of clean energy, economic diversification, and workforce transition in territories that currently depend on these industries.
The concept of a “just transition” will be at the heart of the discussions, seeking to ensure that these changes do not deepen inequalities but instead create new opportunities.