Coimbra Group unites to launch the Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability
Durham University and the Coimbra Group are proud to announce the official launch of the Durham Declaration on the collaboration of Coimbra Group Universities on Climate Change and Sustainability. The Declaration, adopted during the Coimbra Group Climate Symposium, reflects the shared commitment of 39 prestigious universities across Europe to tackle climate change and embed sustainability in all areas of academic life.
As universities are uniquely positioned to drive transformative change, the Durham Declaration articulates a unified vision for how higher education can contribute to global climate action. The Declaration’s seven guiding principles aim to foster collaboration among Coimbra Group members, strengthen research and education on sustainability, and enable universities to play a leading role in the fight against climate change.
Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University outlined: “Universities have a mission to shape society for the better through educating each new generation and conducting transformational research. Durham University is proud to act as the convenor for the Coimbra Group’s Declaration and to affirm our shared commitment to tackling climate change and placing sustainability at the heart of what we do as universities.”
A Landmark Moment for Coimbra Group Universities
The adoption of the Durham Declaration underscores the Coimbra Group’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and climate action, as well as its role as a global leader in higher education. The Declaration will guide the Group’s activities moving forward, including efforts to shape the broader policy discourse on climate and sustainability at international forums like the UNFCCC COP30 Climate Conference.
Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, expressed the importance of this milestone: “The Durham Declaration marks a defining moment for the Coimbra Group and its member universities. By uniting behind a shared set of principles, we are reinforcing our collective commitment to sustainability and climate action. This Declaration is not just about words – it is about building long-term collaborations, influencing policy, and ensuring that universities play a leading role in shaping a greener, more resilient future. It reflects our belief that higher education institutions must be at the forefront of the global response to climate change, working together to turn ambition into meaningful impact.”
A Commitment to Collaboration and Action
While the Durham Declaration emphasizes the importance of shared principles, it also recognizes that each university may choose the specific actions it takes to meet the climate challenge. The Coimbra Group Brussels Office will facilitate cooperation and knowledge-sharing to ensure that these principles translate into meaningful, tangible results.
This Declaration marks the beginning of a new phase of collaboration for Coimbra Group universities, as they work together toward achieving sustainability goals, sharing best practices, and playing an active role in shaping the global climate agenda.