A meeting took place in Santa Marta, Colombia, from April 24-29 with representatives from 37 countries attending the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels. Notably, Bangladesh was absent from the event, sparking discussions about the nature of the conference and its implications. While skepticism towards climate diplomacy is common, overlooking the nuances of Santa Marta would be a mistake.
The exclusion of Bangladesh holds significance in the context of Santa Marta’s unique goals. Unlike traditional climate talks conducted under the UNFCCC, which often faced challenges due to the consensus-based approach allowing vested interests in fossil fuels to dilute commitments, Santa Marta aimed to take a more focused and politically charged approach. Organized by Colombia and the Netherlands, the conference targeted nations involved in the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative or demonstrating a genuine commitment to phasing out fossil fuels, rather than engaging in theoretical discussions.
The outcomes of the Santa Marta conference included the establishment of three thematic work streams, the formation of a voluntary steering committee to develop phase-out roadmaps, and the appointment of a scientific panel to guide the process. Additionally, plans for a follow-up conference in 2027 were announced by Ireland and Tuvalu, indicating a potential shift towards a parallel political track in climate discussions.
Although the conference did not yield binding political agreements, its emphasis on action rather than debate marked a notable departure from traditional climate negotiations. Bangladesh’s absence from the official delegation was attributed to the country not meeting the criteria set by the conference organizers, highlighting its current reliance on fossil fuels despite its vulnerability to climate change.
As of early 2025, renewable energy accounts for only 3.6 percent of Bangladesh’s electricity supply, with major energy investments still focused on fossil fuel infrastructure. The country’s energy sector faces challenges in meeting consumption targets, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability. While Bangladesh has been a vocal advocate for climate justice internationally, its domestic energy policies do not align with a gradual transition away from fossil fuels, posing a credibility issue in diplomatic circles.
The exclusion of Bangladesh from Santa Marta reflects broader trends in climate diplomacy, where actions speak louder than rhetoric. As the country navigates its energy future, balancing demands for climate justice with domestic energy priorities will be crucial for its standing in global climate negotiations.
While Bangladesh’s presence at future climate conferences like COP31 is assured, its influence will depend on its commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels. The juxtaposition of advocating for climate justice while expanding fossil fuel infrastructure domestically presents a challenge that Bangladesh must address to maintain credibility on the global stage.
The missed opportunity at Santa Marta serves as a reminder for Bangladesh to prioritize sustainable energy strategies and align its domestic policies with its international climate commitments. The decisions made in Dhaka will ultimately shape Bangladesh’s role in the global transition towards a low-carbon future.
Samim Rahman Bhuiyan is a research intern at the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD).
Views expressed in this article are the author’s own.
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