Nigeria has joined more than 50 countries in a landmark global effort to begin structured discussions on phasing out fossil fuels, marking the first time governments have convened specifically to address a coordinated exit strategy. The talks, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, bring together a “coalition of the willing” aiming to move beyond stalled United Nations climate negotiations and focus on practical transition pathways, as reported by Reuters.
The conference co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, includes around 50 to 60 nations spanning both fossil fuel producers and consumers, representing a significant share of global energy demand and production. Countries such as Nigeria, Brazil, Canada, and Germany are participating, while major emitters like the United States, China, and Russia are notably absent, as highlighted by Le Monde.
Discussions are centred on actionable solutions rather than new climate pledges, with a focus on financial instruments, regulatory frameworks, and industrial policies needed to transition economies away from oil, gas, and coal. The initiative also includes the launch of a global scientific panel to guide countries on energy transition strategies and implementation, The Guardian reported.
The urgency of the talks has been amplified by rising geopolitical tensions, particularly disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, which have exposed vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains. Organisers argue that reducing dependence on fossil fuels is no longer just a climate priority but also a matter of economic resilience and energy security.
