ABOUT
Background and Rationale
The world is entering a critical period for climate action. Despite global efforts under the UNFCCC to curb climate emissions and equitably support the resilience of the most vulnerable, average temperatures have breached the 1.5°C safe temperature limit and emissions continue to grow across all sectors, especially energy. The Paris Agreement has helped bend the global temperature trajectory over the past decade, but not at sufficient scale to slow warming and the acceleration of climate impacts.
The last eleven years have been the hottest on record, the first global tipping point of warm water reef destruction has been triggered, and the scientists warn that more tipping points are rapidly approaching. Never has decisive, accelerated and sustained implementation ever been more urgent.
At the same time, recent global energy shocks demonstrate the economic, fiscal and geopolitical risks associated with continued dependence on fossil fuels, particularly for countries that are net fossil-fuel importers. Large-scale, systemic, and rapid transformation of global energy systems is necessary to meet net zero targets, as well as to strengthen energy security and independence, ensure equitable access to energy, and support sustainable and inclusive growth. Realising these opportunities, particularly in developing countries, requires stronger international cooperation and greater access to affordable finance and investment
The Santa Marta Process
Against this backdrop, the 1st International Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, in April 2026, established an important new space for international cooperation on delivering a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.
Tuvalu and Ireland will co-host the 2nd International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in the Pacific in 2027, building on the successes from Santa Marta. The Conference will bring together governments, sector experts, stakeholders from civil society, international financing partners, and industry to continue designing strategic pathways for the energy transition. The 2nd conference of the Santa Marta Process intends to further advance beyond conceptual discussions to concrete implementation, demonstrating how the transition can be delivered across different national circumstances through country-led approaches, accessible finance, partnerships and international cooperation.
The objective of the 2nd International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels is to advance the process initiated in Santa Marta – shifting from dialogue to concrete action. A growing coalition of committed countries, subnational governments, and relevant sectors have begun to identified enabling pathways to implement a progressive transition away from fossil fuels creating sustainable societies and economies.
We must now shift to implementation across the three thematic pillars of the process: overcoming economic dependence, transforming supply and demand of fossil fuels, and scaling international cooperation to close gaps in global governance.
This process will be informed by the experience and perspectives of a diverse cohort of global sectors: national and subnational governments, Indigenous Peoples, faith communities, health professionals, peoples of African descent, farmers and peasant communities, civil society and social movements, trade unions and workers, academia and scientists, children and youth, women and diversities, the private sector, and other key actors at different stages of the transition.
DATE & LOCATION
There will be multiple avenues to participation in the process across written submissions, virtual dialogues, intersessional meetings, Sectoral dialogues and assemblies, and a High Level Segment in July 2027.
Participation in the High Level Segment will be limited due to capacity constraints.
More information on participation avenues will be shared in the near future.
