The Dialogue is hosted by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB). Originally an initiative of Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, representatives from all regions of the world gather at the Dialogue for informal discussions in support of the UNFCCC negotiating process. The Dialogues are chaired by Germany and the president of the upcoming COP (France in 2015).  

In preparation for the 2015 international climate conference in Paris (COP 21/CMP 11), the goal of this year's Petersberg Climate Dialogue for all parties is to produce a negotiating text that is accepted by all participants.