At the University of Coimbra, we call on world leaders to turn climate commitments into decisive, measurable and equitable action, supported by clear targets, adequate financing and accountability. Universities stand ready to contribute through science, education and innovation to a sustainable, resilient and climate-just future.
Investing in education, research and innovation is essential to accelerating climate action. Together, they equip societies with knowledge and skills, inform evidence-based policies and deliver solutions that drive decarbonisation, strengthen resilience and ensure a just transition.
Coimbra Group at COP31: Advancing university-led climate action
04 November 2026
9–20 November 2026 | Antalya, Turkey
COP31: From climate commitments to action
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Bringing together world leaders, government representatives, scientists, civil society and other stakeholders, COP31 will provide a crucial platform for advancing international cooperation on climate change and accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
With a strong focus on translating commitments into concrete action, the conference will address the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen adaptation and resilience, mobilise climate finance and support a just and inclusive transition towards sustainable economies and societies. Against this backdrop, universities have an essential contribution to make: generating the scientific evidence that informs climate policy, developing innovative solutions, educating future generations and working with communities to turn knowledge into action.
Coimbra Group and its universities at COP31
By participating in COP31, the Coimbra Group and its member universities reaffirm the central role of higher education in advancing climate action through interdisciplinary research, education, international collaboration and sustained policy engagement. This commitment is firmly anchored in the Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability, through which Coimbra Group universities have pledged to strengthen their collective efforts to address the climate crisis and promote sustainability across their missions.
Building on the successful initiatives undertaken at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the Coimbra Group will be represented at COP31, continuing its efforts to strengthen the recognition of universities as essential contributors to global climate policymaking and to showcase the remarkable work of its member institutions. The conference will also offer valuable opportunities to consolidate relationships with existing partners, develop new collaborations across the higher education and research sectors, and deepen dialogue with European and international policymakers.
The Coimbra Group university delegates participating in COP31 reflect the breadth and diversity of expertise within the network, spanning fields such as international and human rights law, climate finance, urban health, geology and glaciology, among many others. Their participation illustrates the importance of bringing together different disciplines and perspectives to address the interconnected challenges of climate change. Beyond their contributions to scientific research and innovation, Coimbra Group universities will also demonstrate how their commitment to sustainability translates into concrete action through education, institutional practices, international partnerships and engagement with local communities.
As educators, researchers, partners and investors, universities are deeply embedded in their territories and uniquely positioned to connect global climate ambitions with local realities.
Through its presence at COP31, the Coimbra Group aims to amplify the voices and contributions of its member universities, foster new opportunities for cooperation and help scale up sustainability initiatives across the network. Together, we seek to reinforce a shared message: achieving global climate goals requires sustained investment in education, research and innovation, and the meaningful involvement of universities in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future.
Coimbra Group universities at COP31
Universities have both the capacity and the responsibility to lead transformative change for people and planet. Universities can embed the Sustainable Development Goals across their teaching, research, culture and practice. During their time on campus, students develop the knowledge, skills and experiences to tackle global challenges and lead the transition to a sustainable future.