TED Countdown Summit 2025 officially kicked off today in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together a visionary group of global innovators, business executives, scientists, policymakers, next-generation leaders, artists and activists. This year’s gathering, taking place June 16-18, comes at a pivotal moment, as the world’s institutions falter and uncertainty mounts about the future. Yet, the Summit is grounded in optimism, highlighting real progress — from booming clean energy industries in China to the end of coal in the UK and Kenya’s own leadership in renewable energy and youth-driven innovation.

By convening in Nairobi — a city at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition and home to one of the world’s greenest electricity grids — the Summit aims to harness the collective wisdom and creativity of its diverse participants. Over the coming days, attendees will collaborate to fast-track solutions, bridge divides and inspire new commitments to climate action. With support from local partners and a global network of changemakers including Countdown’s Strategic Partners, Vision Council and TED Future Forum, the Summit aims to bring the best ideas from around the world to the TED stage, united in a commitment to building a brighter future.

Check out the full speaker program — featuring Nobel laureate Al Gore, environmental peacemaker Nada Majdalani, clean energy visionary Lei Zhang and many more — and watch out for talks from the Summit to be published on TED.com soon.