Santa Marta Conference on ending fossil fuels: what NGOs call for ahead of the meeting

As the first International Conference on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels opens in Santa Marta (Colombia) under the auspices of the Netherlands and Colombia, NGOs and academics called States to action and analysed the possible outcomes. News Tank gathered their statements.

46 nations will participate in the Santa Marta meeting from 24/04 to 29/04/2026. Missing countries include big emitters and oil producers, such as the U.S.A, China, India, Algeria, Russia, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

"Fossil fuels are not just wrecking our planet, they are holding economies hostage", declared Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General on 22/04/2026. "There is another way. Homegrown renewables are the cheapest, fastest and most reliable source of new power. They deliver what fossil fuels never can: real and lasting energy security. We can repeat the failures of the past or we can unleash the renewables revolution. Let’s make the right choice for climate stability, energy security and a liveable future."

"Phasing out fossil fuels is a legal obligation." (ClientEarth)

The Santa Marta Conference…