The Countdown Summit will bring together hundreds of leaders in Edinburgh, Scotland, in October, as TED speakers share a blueprint for a beautiful net-zero future. This plan – along with inspiring stories of local action – will be amplified by hundreds of TEDx Countdown events around the world and through a special global livestream event on October 30
October 12 – 15, 2021
4 days of inspiring talks and commitments to climate solutions for industry leaders in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Events
October 30 – December 31, 2021
Share local stories by curating and hosting TEDx Countdown events in your own community or company.
Livestream
October 30, 2021
A virtual event on YouTube at 12pm ET, open to all, shares highlights from the Summit and a realistic pathway to a net zero future.
October 12-15, 2021
COUNTDOWN SUMMIT
Edinburgh, Scotland
This year, we’re inviting the brightest thinkers and doers from around the world to gather for the first-ever in-person TED climate conference — four days of inspiring talks, collaboration, connections and commitments to meaningful action for a better world.
Ahead of the pivotal 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, the Countdown Summit will unveil some of the imaginative and scalable solutions that we’ll need to turn the tide on climate change and create a healthier and more equitable world for all.
A net-zero future is possible. That’s why we’re hosting this gathering for politicians, business leaders, policy makers, scientists, Indigenous leaders, artists, philanthropists, youth activists and others to organize and work together to make that future a reality.
THE PROGRAM
A chance to co-create an unforgettable gathering of minds and souls determined to play our part. Here’s what you can expect at the Countdown Summit:
A four day program
Six sessions of inspiring mainstage speakers, interviews and performance that combine TED's signature blend of actionable and research-backed ideas, science, and moments of wonder and inspiration.
Breakout sessions
Dive deeper into the key questions and the solutions shared by speakers, take master classes on specific areas of interest or work with your peers in small-group sessions.
Meaningful connections
From impromptu encounters to in-depth conversations over dinner, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with other attendees from a wide variety of fields and disciplines – to meet, talk and learn.
4 DAYS OF IDEAS AND CONNECTIONS
Each day presents new opportunities to connect with fellow attendees, learn about innovative climate solutions and brainstorm potential collaborations. Here’s the conference schedule:
Our location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Located about 380 miles north of London, Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. Its charming Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and renowned for its architecture and vibrant cultural life.
The Countdown Summit will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Center, the site of several previous TEDGlobal and TEDSummit events. Its beautiful main theater and foyer will be the central hub with space for exhibits, networking areas and more.
While we’re optimistic about our ability to safely convene a group of people in Edinburgh this October, we’re also working to maximize health and safety by factoring in space for physical distancing, extra protective measures and by following the advice of experts and local safety protocols.
October 30 – December 31, 2021
LOCAL TEDX EVENTS
Around the world
JOIN US LOCALLY
Companies, cities, partners, citizens and TEDx organizers can join the Countdown conversation, help spread the word, and discuss local solutions by hosting TEDx Countdown events in their communities from October 30 through the end of 2021.
Anyone, anywhere can sign up to host their own TEDx event of any size and format. You can host a watch party featuring Countdown talks, or curate a combination of Countdown talks along with your own original talks –– it’s up to you!
Once your application is accepted, you will be given a TEDx Countdown license under which to host your event.
Event Resources
To help make your event successful, the Countdown team will provide resources after you sign up, including:
Training
Virtual sessions to guide you through how to organize a successful virtual or in-person TEDx Countdown event, led by the TEDx team and experienced TEDx organizers
Toolkits
A host guide with discussion topics and program details, as well as a design identity kit with graphics to use for your event’s digital and physical spaces
Businesses can also register to host TEDx Countdown events for their organizations – including live speakers and/or watch parties – free of charge. These events are for an internal audience only, and the TEDx business license fees are waived.
Find an event near you
Spaces available
Sold out or invite only
October 30, 2021
COUNTDOWN GLOBAL LIVESTREAM
Online
Mark your calendars
Mark your calendars for the Countdown global livestream on October 30 on YouTube at 12pm ET. Building on the success of the 2020 Countdown launch,this virtual event will lay out a credible and realistic pathway to a net-zero future by bringing together key solutions from the Countdown Summit, stories of local action from the around the world, cutting-edge science and technology, social and cultural discussions, powerful performances and a global call to action.
By presenting a real pathway to achieving net-zero, the Countdown global livestream is designed to bring people all over the world together to celebrate and spread the word ahead of the decisive United Nations Climate Conference COP26.