05/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/04/2026 07:17
Luxembourg welcomes the outcomes of the Santa Marta First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, held on 29 April 2026 in Santa Marta, Colombia, and commends the leadership of Colombia and the Netherlands in advancing this action oriented international initiative.
Together with other EU Member States and the European Commission, Luxembourg endorsed the Joint Press Release adopted in Santa Marta, reaffirming the commitment made at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner.
In this context, Serge Wilmes, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity underlined that "the transition away from fossil fuels is both a climate imperative and a strategic necessity for economic resilience, energy security and social fairness."
The Santa Marta Conference further resonated with Luxembourg's priorities by shifting the global focus from negotiation to implementation. It highlighted concrete and scalable solutions, including the rapid deployment of clean energy, credible fossil fuel phase out pathways, economic instruments such as the reform of fossil fuel subsidies, and measures to support labour transformation and quality job creation. As the Minister underlined, "a just transition - one that creates quality jobs, strengthens energy sovereignty and leaves no one behind - is essential for success."
Luxembourg also welcomes the Conference's strong emphasis on science based multilateral action, notably the establishment of the Scientific Panel on the Global Energy Transition (SPGET). The Santa Marta process is considered a valuable contribution to closing long standing gaps in the global climate architecture and to advancing international efforts under the UNFCCC, including preparations for COP31.
In parallel, Luxembourg is reinforcing implementation through climate finance leadership. From 3 to 5 June 2026, the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity will host the inaugural Luxembourg International Climate Finance Days, bringing together global climate finance leaders to mobilise private capital and advance practical solutions. Held ahead of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meetings in Bonn, the event will serve as a financial bridge between COP outcomes, linking Baku and Belém towards Antalya and beyond.
Through the alignment of ambitious domestic policies, science based international engagement and targeted climate finance, Luxembourg reaffirms its commitment to translating global commitments into tangible action and to accelerating a just and equitable global transition away from fossil fuels.
Released by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity