By Invitation Only
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 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.
Against this backdrop, the first 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 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 margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) and New York Climate Week offer a timely opportunity to discuss the vision for TAFF-2, broaden participation in TAFF and begin mobilising the political, financial and technical partnerships necessary to transform ambition into outcomes.
Side event objectives
This side event will provide a space for existing and new governments and stakeholders to gather to discuss opportunities for strengthening and further developing this important process. It will be a chance to raise questions and ideas for participants about substance and process, as well as to explore financial, technical and institutional support for to ensure the success of the 2nd International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels and the process beyond.
The event will serve to position the Santa Marta Process within the wider challenge facing the second decade of the Paris Agreement: moving beyond commitments to accelerating implementation and ensuring the political, economic and financial conditions that enable countries to deliver.
Format
The new co-hosts will share views and expectations for the process leading to the 2nd Conference and for ensuring successful outcomes at the 2nd Conference.
The event will also include an interactive discussion addressing the fundamental question:
What is preventing countries from transitioning away from fossil fuels, and what can we collectively do to remove those barriers?
Participating countries and partners will be given the opportunity to reflect on their expectations and what they could bring to the 2nd Conference
Potential new members of the coalition of the doers will be given the opportunity to share their ambitions.
Expected outcome
The event will build political momentum for the 2nd Conference, broaden the coalition of doers, and identify opportunities for practical partnerships and support ahead of the 2027 Conference.
It will reinforce the Santa Marta Process as a platform for moving from ambition to implementation and international cooperation.