Its purpose is to promote climate action by appealing to "business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives".

The summit is held alongside the United Nations General Assembly, allowing heads of state and other senior governmental figures to attend and participate.

Over the years, many influential leaders have participated in Climate Week NYC, including New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as well as the Presidents of Haiti, Peru and the Marshall Islands.

In 2023, many notable figures, including Jane Fonda, Governor of Maryland Wes Moore, and Razan Al Mubarak, current President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, spoke during the event.

In a keynote opening address, King Charles said, "Without swift and immediate action, at an unprecedented pace and scale, we will miss the window of opportunity to 'reset' for... a more sustainable and inclusive future."

Major participants have included Tim Cook, Richard Branson, John Kerry, Christiana Figueres, Jane Fonda, Bill Gates, Prince Charles, Jacinda Adern, the Hon.

[3] Governor Gavin Newsom of California announced at a press conference during the opening ceremony that the state would be taking big oil companies to court for decades of misinformation.

Over 250 major companies and nonprofit organisations, including Climate Group, urged world leaders to commit to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 ahead of COP28 in Dubai.

These sessions include The Masterclass Series, which convene solutions-focused workshops of up to 50 people to tangible outcomes and build capacity, knowledge, and collaborative networks to accelerate the transition within the green economy.

The events covered ten main themes: Built Environment, Energy, Environmental Justice, Finance, Food, Industry, Nature, Policy, Sustainable Living and Transport.