Phasing-out coal is not a simple endeavor. The challenges in the coming years are manifold. There is the question of creating sustainable and socially acceptable and economic change without jeopardizing energy security, while also benefitting from new market growth and job potentials. At the same time, the energy systems need to be modernized to integrate potentially higher shares of fluctuating renewable energies. In this side event, representatives from yet coal-dependent countries will discuss the different possible options of reducing the role of coal in the energy systems against the background of the benefits and challenges associated with this transition.