From 24 to 29 April 2026, the TAFF-1 Conference took place in Santa Marta, bringing together 57 countries, EU representatives, scientists, and practitioners to explore concrete pathways away from fossil fuels while meeting people’s needs.
A central concern was the continued failure of global processes such as COP to address fossil fuel dependency and its wider impacts—from environmental degradation to conflict. Colombia’s Minister of Environment, Irene Vélez Torres, emphasised the importance of including Indigenous Peoples and peasant communities, who are often excluded from decision-making.
President Gustavo Petro pointed to the growing intensity of environmental disasters in South America, linking them to extractive practices and highlighting the ecological importance of the Amazon and territories such as Gorgona Island.
While acknowledging Colombia’s economic reliance on coal exports, he also questioned the political and economic interests that continue to sustain fossil fuel extraction. Rather than calling for unity among states, he pointed instead to the need for a unity of people—built through awareness, relationships, and collective mobilisation.
