Coimbra Group Climate Symposium at Durham University: A milestone for sustainability in higher education
28 March 2025
From March 24-26, Durham University proudly hosted the Coimbra Group Climate Symposium, marking the official launch of the network’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The event gathered Rectors, Vice-Chancellors, researchers, students, and policymakers from across Europe to address the urgent role of universities as catalysts for transformative change in climate action, sustainability, and planetary health.
A symposium driving change
The two-day symposium provided a platform for rich discussions on the role of universities as Innovators, Educators, Partners, and Investors in sustainability. From groundbreaking climate research to embedding sustainability in education and policy, Coimbra Group universities reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the pressing global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Key highlights from the symposium
- Keynote by Tony Juniper (Natural England): Urged universities to move beyond short-term solutions and embrace long-term transformative action. Read more on the speech here or watch the two videos that Tony Juniper recorded for Durham University, for the Coimbra Group leaders and for students.
- Institutional Strategies Showcase: Universities of Leiden, Granada, and Trinity College Dublin shared best practices on integrating sustainability across research, education, and campus life.
- Panel on Universities and Research Funders: Experts from Durham, Utrecht, Coimbra, and Charles University, alongside UKRI, discussed funding strategies for impactful climate research.
- Polar Climate Research & Funding: A compelling talk by Mike Bentley (Durham University) introduced keynote speaker Christopher Smith (Science Europe), highlighting funders’ commitments to tackling climate challenges.
- Student Engagement: Sam Barratt (UNEP) led a dynamic discussion featuring insights from Barcelona, Cologne, Pavia, and Durham. Winners of the ‘Eyes of the Future’ Serious Game and Durham’s Sustainable Futures competition were celebrated.
- Closing Keynote by Lana Par (European Students’ Union): Reinforced the responsibility of universities in empowering students as active citizens for sustainability.
The launch of the Durham Declaration
The highlight of the symposium was the official adoption of the Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability, a landmark commitment by Coimbra Group universities to strengthen collective action in addressing climate challenges.
The Declaration, jointly prepared by Durham University, the Coimbra Group Executive Board, and the Rectors’ Advisory Group, outlines seven key principles guiding universities’ contributions to sustainability through research, education, and collaboration. It also sets a framework for Coimbra Group members to work together on practical initiatives, from advancing climate research and education to fostering sustainable practices and influencing policy at global levels, including at the upcoming UNFCCC COP30 Climate Conference.
A ceremonial signing of the Durham Declaration was held, with Professor Ludovic Thilly (Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board), Professor Karen O’Brien (Vice-Chancellor, Durham University), and Professor Giovanni Molari (Rector, University of Bologna) among the signatories.
Looking ahead: The Coimbra Group’s commitment to sustainability
The Symposium concluded with a fireside chat between Sam Barratt (UNEP) and Professor Charlotte Clarke (Durham University), emphasizing the importance of continued engagement in sustainability education and policy.
In his closing remarks, Professor Ludovic Thilly highlighted how this symposium laid the foundation for further collective action within the Coimbra Group and beyond. Looking forward, the Coimbra Group will build on the momentum generated at Durham as it prepares for the 2025 Coimbra Group Annual Conference in Bologna.
Join the conversation
The success of the Durham Declaration campaign was underscored by the rapid engagement of Coimbra Group universities in signing the document. The dedicated Durham Declaration webpage now features the full text of the declaration, along with photos of most signatories and further resources.
The Coimbra Group Climate Symposium was a powerful reminder of the impact universities can have when they act together. Through innovation, education, collaboration, and investment, Coimbra Group universities are committed to shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for all.