How to Host a Successful Fossil Fuel Transition Summit: Lessons from Santa Marta

Introduction

In April 2025, the first-ever summit focused on "transitioning away" from fossil fuels convened in Santa Marta, Colombia. Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, it brought together 57 countries representing one-third of the global economy to craft practical roadmaps away from coal, oil, and gas. Against a backdrop of geopolitical strife and climate crises, the event proved groundbreaking—spawning a new science panel, toolkits to combat harmful subsidies, and a commitment to future summits. This guide distills the key strategies from Santa Marta into actionable steps for any nation or organization aiming to host a similar transformative gathering. Whether you're a government ministry, an environmental NGO, or a climate envoy, follow these steps to replicate the success of this historic conference.

What You Need

• Political will and co-hosting partners: Strong leadership from at least two nations—ideally one from the Global South and one from the Global North—to ensure legitimacy and balance.
• Science advisory infrastructure: Access to global academics and a dedicated science panel that can provide agile, bespoke analysis on fossil fuel transitions.
• Venue and logistics: A neutral, comfortable setting with small meeting rooms to foster intimate, honest conversations among ministers and envoys.
• Inclusive stakeholder engagement: Formal mechanisms to include Indigenous leaders, civil society, subnational governments, and parliamentarians.
• Clear outcome deliverables: A plan to produce national roadmaps, toolkits for subsidy reform, and a timeline for future summits.
• Financial and technical support: Funding for travel, translation, and follow-up implementation of agreements.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Secure Co-Hosting Leadership with Balanced Representation

The Santa Marta summit succeeded because of a strategic partnership between Colombia (a developing nation with deep fossil fuel ties) and the Netherlands (a developed country advocating for climate action). As the original article notes, the idea emerged during tense negotiations at COP30 in Belém, when a push for a formal "roadmap" language failed. Colombia and the Netherlands jointly announced their co-hosting role, creating a bridge between Global South and North perspectives.

To replicate this, approach a country with strong environmental credentials and another with significant fossil fuel industry exposure to host. Ensure both have high-level political backing—Colombia’s environment minister Irene Vélez Torres, a former academic, was instrumental in emphasizing science. Draft a joint declaration of intent and secure early commitments from at least 50 countries to attend.

Step 2: Organize a Science Pre-Conference to Ground Discussions in Evidence

Before the main political sessions, Santa Marta featured a two-day "science pre-conference" attended by 400 academics. This event launched a new Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition that provides agile, bespoke analysis to nations seeking to accelerate away from fossil fuels. As the original text highlights, this panel aims to answer specific questions from governments about their unique challenges—something that formal IPCC timelines cannot address.

For your summit, invite leading researchers, publish a call for papers, and design a program that translates complex climate models into actionable insights. Ensure the pre-conference outputs (like the Action Insights Report) feed directly into the high-level discussions.

Step 3: Design Closed-Door Ministerial Sessions for Frank Dialogue

The Santa Marta format was praised as "refreshing" and "groundbreaking" because it replaced large plenaries with small meeting rooms where ministers and envoys could have open, confidential conversations about barriers to transitioning. This was crucial given the backdrop of war, oil crises, and extreme weather. The original article notes that these closed-door sessions allowed countries to honestly discuss challenges like carbon-intensive trade and subsidy reform without public posturing.

Implement a high-level segment (e.g., two days) with structured breakouts. Use a trust-building protocol: no official minutes, no press, and no recording. Appoint skilled facilitators from neutral organizations (e.g., UN agencies) to keep discussions productive. Output a summary of key barriers and potential solutions for the final outcomes.

Step 4: Ensure Inclusive Participation from Indigenous and Civil Society Groups

Santa Marta included dedicated days for subnational governments, parliamentarians, and other stakeholders. Indigenous and civil society voices brought firsthand experience of fossil fuel extraction’s social and environmental impacts. Their inclusion was not just symbolic—they contributed to the final toolkits and roadmaps. As the article states, their participation was a key outcome.

Reserve a full day for these groups before the high-level segment. Provide translation services, financial support for travel, and guarantee that their recommendations are documented. Create a formal mechanism (e.g., an advisory committee) to integrate their inputs into national roadmaps. Consider offering a dedicated panel or workshop on just transition principles.

Step 5: Develop Concrete Outcomes—National Roadmaps and Toolkits

The summit’s core deliverable was a commitment from attending countries to develop national roadmaps away from fossil fuels, along with new tools to address harmful subsidies and carbon-intensive trade. The original article reports that 57 countries walked away with these plans, and the Brazilian COP30 presidency promised to incorporate them into an informal global roadmap.

At your summit, allocate the final day for drafting outcome documents. Use templates based on the Santa Marta model: each country should leave with a draft roadmap outline, a list of actionable steps, and a timeline. Include toolkits for subsidy reform and trade adjustment. Publish a joint communiqué summarizing shared goals and next steps.

Step 6: Announce Future Hosts to Sustain Momentum

At the conclusion of Santa Marta, Tuvalu and Ireland were announced as co-hosts for the second summit in 2027, to be held in the Pacific island nation. This signaled continuity and expanded the initiative’s geographical and political reach. As the article notes, Tuvalu represents vulnerable small island states, while Ireland brings a European perspective. This announcement reinforced the “transition away” brand and kept countries engaged.

Before your summit ends, secure commitments from at least one country in the Global South and one in the North to co-host the next edition. Set a date (e.g., three to four years out) and include a handover ceremony during the closing plenary. Use the momentum to encourage countries to announce new national fossil fuel phase-out policies.

Tips for Success

• Start early: The Santa Marta idea took root during COP30 negotiations. Build diplomatic bridges months before the summit.
• Prioritize science: The science pre-conference and new panel were game-changers. Invest in research partnerships that can deliver real-time analysis.
• Keep it small: 57 countries—representing one-third of the global economy—was an effective size. Too many participants risk diluting intimate dialogue.
• Engage the media wisely: While some sessions were closed, use press briefings to highlight successes without compromising confidential talks.
• Focus on action: Every session should result in a tangible output—a roadmap outline, a toolkit draft, or a commitment to reform subsidies.
• Include youth and frontline communities: Their stories can motivate reluctant governments. The original article emphasizes Indigenous participation; make it a non-negotiable.
• Plan for follow-up: Assign a secretariat to track progress on national roadmaps and prepare for the next summit.