France, April 28 -- A conference aimed at accelerating the phase-out of fossil fuels is now under way in Colombia, bringing together around 55 countries in the Caribbean city of Santa Marta, with high-level talks between ministers and climate envoys on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels meeting reflects mounting frustration with UN climate negotiations, which have so far struggled to produce a clear roadmap for moving away from coal, oil and gas.

Organised by Colombia and co-chaired by the Netherlands, the summit is designed as a more flexible, informal forum - one that organisers hope can unlock practical progress.

It also comes at a tense moment, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has ...