UN 
The recent Santa Marta summit marked a pivotal breakthrough in international negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concerning the phasedown of fossil fuels. For years, discussions on fossil fuel reduction had been stalled, primarily due to differing priorities between developed and developing countries. However, the summit’s progress signals a renewed commitment to addressing the urgent climate crisis by curbing fossil fuel dependence.
Despite this advancement, experts and stakeholders emphasize that the fossil fuel transition must not be dictated solely by Global North nations and their institutions. Developing countries, which often face disproportionate climate impacts and economic challenges, must retain agency and leadership in shaping the transition’s pathways. This approach ensures that climate actions align with their development needs and equity principles enshrined in international agreements.
Developing nations are calling for inclusive governance frameworks that allow them to ‘hold the pen’—to actively script policies, financing mechanisms, and technological innovations that will define the future energy landscape. Such empowerment is critical to avoid a one-size-fits-all model that may neglect local realities and exacerbate inequalities. It also promotes fair access to clean energy technologies and climate finance, which remain significant barriers for many low- and middle-income countries.
International cooperation should prioritize capacity building, knowledge sharing, and equitable financial support to facilitate a just transition. As Dr. Lina Mendez, a climate policy analyst, notes, “True progress depends on enabling developing countries to lead their energy transitions in ways that foster sustainable development and social inclusion. Without their leadership, global climate goals are unlikely to be met.”
the fossil fuel transition is not merely a technical or environmental challenge but a socio-economic transformation demanding inclusive participation and respect for sovereignty. The Santa Marta summit’s outcome opens a door, but the path forward depends on ensuring developing countries are the authors of their own energy futures.
