Vilnius University and Other Leading European Universities Unite to Tackle Climate Change
Vilnius University (VU) and 22 other universities from across Europe signed the Durham Declaration during the Coimbra Group Climate Symposium held on 25–26 March in Durham, United Kingdom – a landmark commitment by the universities to strengthen collective action in addressing climate challenges and pledging to cooperate on sustainable development. The universities will work together to integrate sustainability principles into all areas of their activities, conduct research to tackle climate-related issues, develop climate-neutral infrastructure, and educate students to meet the pressing global challenges.
Universities play a unique role in protecting the climate, conserving natural resources, and promoting a healthier planet and society, as their activities are rooted in a long-standing and rich tradition of generating new knowledge and fostering scientific research and innovation. Furthermore, their collaborations with academic, social, and business partners create wide-ranging opportunities to address sustainable development issues across all sectors of society.
‘The Durham Declaration reflects the ambition and responsibility of leading European universities to harness their intellectual expertise and potential in building resilient and forward-thinking societies, equipped to tackle the most complex economic, social, and cultural challenges of both the present and the future,’ said VU Pro-Rector for Research, Prof. Edita Sužiedėlienė.
The Durham Declaration outlines seven key principles that shape the sustainable development strategies of each Coimbra Group member university. These principles emphasise the need for joint efforts in science, education, political commitment, and cooperation to combat climate change – an issue that, more than ever, demands unified action. It is essential to address these challenges as quickly and effectively as possible and contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The innovation potential of universities generates cutting-edge solutions from both fundamental and applied research – solutions essential for sustainable living. At the same time, it is a prerequisite for successful knowledge and technology transfer, as well as for the progress of society. Being educational institutions, the Coimbra Group universities form an academic community of 232,000 members, with over 1.4 million students graduating annually. Therefore, in preparing the next generation, universities bear the responsibility to equip students with the skills and competencies needed to confront the interconnected challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, planetary health, and social justice.
In the context of this transformative change, universities are expected to cooperate with local, regional, national, and international partners from both the public and private sectors to facilitate broader information exchange on climate change. While nurturing the capacities of communities, non-governmental bodies, businesses, governments, and international organisations, these partnerships strengthen society’s ability to pursue environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable development.
Moreover, it is envisaged that as investors, universities will lead by example by developing climate-neutral campuses and research and study infrastructure that align with responsible and sustainable practices. The Coimbra Group universities have already achieved significant positive progress in education, research, innovation, partnerships, and investment; nonetheless, they recognise the need to strengthen collective efforts further and encourage cooperation between universities and their partners in advancing sustainable development strategies.
The Durham Declaration also highlights the Coimbra Group universities’ best practices and joint initiatives, which they have agreed to continue developing. These include promoting climate change research, actively developing academic programmes and initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and encouraging cultural and behavioural transformation.
The Durham Declaration is available here.
The Coimbra Group was established over 40 years ago and comprises 40 leading interdisciplinary European universities in 22 countries, all of which share a strong tradition of excellence in education and research.