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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.

Graphic live illustration from the event

By Laura Brodrick, Graphic and Creative Facilitator, Think Big Picture

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.

Programme and Presentations

(Download the programme in PDF)

25th March 2025

Opening Keynote address
Followed by Q&A
Dr Tony Juniper CBE, Chair of Natural England Introduced by Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, Professor, University of Poitiers
Q&A facilitated by Professor Martin Evans, Executive Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences, Durham University
Universities as InnovatorsProfessor Annetje Ottow, President, Leiden University
Professor Jane Stout, Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action, Trinity College Dublin
Dr. Max Jungmann, Managing Director of the Heidelberg University Center for the Environment
Professor Zamorano Toro, Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Sustainability, University of Granada  
Q&A facilitated by Anna Gumbau, Moderating EU
Universities as InvestorsChair: Professor Harriet Bulkeley OBE, Professor of Geography, at Durham University and at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University
• Professor Lenka Henebergová, Member of the Rectors’ Board for Social Affairs and Sustainable Development; Vice-Dean for Internationalisation, Charles University Prague
• Professor Patrícia Pereira da Silva, Pro-Rector, University of Coimbra
• Dr Susan Simon, Director UKRI Environmental Sustainability Programme  
Keynote address Followed by Q&AProfessor Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and member of the Science Europe Governing Board (online) Keynote proceeded by an introductory talk (in person) by Professor Mike Bentley, Professor of Geography at University of Durham: “What does the funding and collaboration landscape look like for polar climate change researchers?”
Q&A facilitated by Anna Gumbau, Moderating EU
Universities as EducatorsChair: Sam Barratt, Chief of the Youth, Education and Advocacy Unit in the UN Environment Programme’s Ecosystems Division
• Professor Teresa Sauras-Yera, Vice-Rector for Sustainability and climate action, University of Barcelona
• Professor Kirk Junker, Vice-Rector for Sustainability, University of Cologne
• Andrea Pichelli, Director for Global Strategic Engagement (GLOBEC), University of Pavia
• Shatakshi, Durham University M.Sc.- Sustainability, Energy & Development ’24  
Gaming Towards a Sustainable Future                  Utrecht University to present the story behind the ‘Eyes of the Future’ Serious Game initiative and competition, with presentation of certificates to winning teams from Bergen and Iaşi, by Professor Kjetil Rommetveit, University of Bergen.
• Professor Karin Rebel Professor of Sustainability Science & Education, Utrecht University
• Dr Gemma O’Sullivan, Educational Scientist, Utrecht University  
Closing Keynote addressLana Par, Vice-President, European Student Union

26th March 2025

Universities as Partners  Professor Sébastien Castelltort, Vice Rector for Research and Sustainability, University of Geneva
Professor Ludovic Thilly, Vice-Rector for a European University, Poitiers University
• Léonore Moncond’huy, Mayor of Poitiers
Professor Giovanni Molari, Rector, University of Bologna
Professor Marjo Kaartinen, Coimbra Group Honorary President and Rector of Turku University
Professor Michele Acuto, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), University of Bristol  
Introduction to the Durham Declaration and scene-setting for The Coimbra Group 2025 Annual Conference in BolognaIntroduced by Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, Professor, University of Poitiers
• Professor Daniel Donoghue, Professor of Geography, Durham, and Coimbra Group Executive Board member
• Professor Petra Minnerop, Professor of International Law, Durham University  
Ceremonial signing of the Durham Declaration• Professor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, Professor, University of Poitiers
• Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice Chancellor, Durham
• Professor Giovanni Molari, Rector, University of Bologna  
Fireside ChatFacilitated by Anna Gumbau, Moderating EU
• Sam Barratt, Chief of the Youth, Education and Advocacy Unit in the United Nations Environment Programme’s Ecosystems Division
• Professor Charlotte Clarke, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health), Durham University  
Closing RemarksProfessor Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, Professor, University of Poitiers