This invite-only gathering will bring together a group of global innovators, business executives, scientists, policymakers, next generation leaders, artists, activists and more who are determined to create a better future.

The 2023 Summit is about

TURNING VISION INTO REALITy

When the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, the world was on track for a catastrophic 4-5°C of warming. Thanks to spectacular progress made since then, the expected warming has been cut in half.

But we remain in crisis, and have huge work to do to protect our planet and its people. So how do we come together and design a better future? The TED Countdown Summit will explore this crucial question by highlighting the state of climate progress, visualizing a better future, and exploring the solutions, tools and partnerships that will help us move forward.

Participant SPOTLIGHT

Solving the climate crisis requires leadership, creativity and collaboration across every industry. In that spirit, we’re bringing together an exceptional community of 700 global attendees to have candid conversations about the challenges we face.

Together, we’ll explore solutions and new partnerships that will help realize a cleaner, greener, more just world. Below are just a few of the participants who will be attending.

Christiana Figueres
Christiana Figueres
Stubborn optimist
Watch Talk
David Lammy
David Lammy
Shadow Foreign Secretary
Watch Talk
Gabriel Kra
Gabriel Kra
Climate tech investor
Watch Talk
Gabrielle Walker
Gabrielle Walker
Carbon removals expert
Watch Talk
Hongqiao Liu
Hongqiao Liu
Independent journalist, policy advisor
Watch Talk
Jim Hagemann Snabe
Jim Hagemann Snabe
Chairman, Siemens and Northvolt
Watch Talk
Manish Bhardwaj
Manish Bhardwaj
Moral leader
Watch Talk
Nigel Topping
Nigel Topping
Zero by 2039
Watch Talk
Nili Gilbert
Nili Gilbert
Investment decarbonization expert
Watch Talk
Sophia Kianni
Sophia Kianni
Climate activist, social entrepreneur
Watch Talk
Tom Rivett-Carnac
Tom Rivett-Carnac
Political strategist
Watch Talk
Payton Wilkins
Payton Wilkins
Labor/climate bridge-builder
Watch Talk

your summit experience

A four-day stage program

Seven sessions of mainstage TED Talks, filled with thoroughly researched and thoughtfully curated climate talks from around the world. Themes range from the future of food, global logistics and mobility to new materials, circularity, policy and finance.

Breakthrough Sessions

Your opportunity to choose from an exhilarating lineup of workshops designed to help you dig deep and tackle specific problems while building new collaborations.

Interactive experiences

Head offsite and explore Detroit with local innovators to see how the city at the heart of the American car industry is grappling with building an inclusive, sustainable future.

Networking opportunities

From intimate dinners to community celebrations, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to mingle with other attendees and forge new connections.

TED Future Forum

The 2023 Summit will also be the launch of TED Future Forum – a Countdown initiative designed to challenge companies to step up with greater ambition, accelerate progress and share learnings.

Explore the program

See the schedule and learn more about the astonishing TED Countdown Summit program, including seven sessions of talks, opportunities to connect during interactive Breakthrough Sessions, dinners, parties and more.

Our Location

Detroit, Michigan

The Countdown Summit will take place in Detroit, Michigan, the city at the heart of the American car industry that is grappling with building an inclusive, sustainable future.

Events will take place in Michigan Central, the Fillmore Detroit, and other locations around the city. Michigan Central is a hub where experts, startups and community leaders come together to develop solutions and skills that address pressing societal challenges, including how to build a more accessible, sustainable future for all. The Fillmore is a historic building located in Detroit’s entertainment district. Originally opened in 1925 as a movie theater, this elegant venue – featuring a grand lobby and the original Fillmore chandeliers – has since been renovated to offer guests a unique special event experience.

People looking at projected map
Woman getting lanyard off wall
Woman smiling at conversation