Coimbra Group presents the Durham Declaration at EAIE 2025
12 September 2025
On 10 September 2025, the Coimbra Group presented the Durham Declaration at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference in Gothenburg, highlighting the pivotal role of universities in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices. The Declaration, first launched at the Durham Climate Symposium, sets out a series of commitments for universities to celebrate, affirm, recognise, support, and take active responsibility in the fight against climate change, while linking these actions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Simon Litchfield (Durham University) provides a compelling example of the Declaration’s principles in action. By traveling sustainably, Simon demonstrates how individual choices can align with institutional commitments to climate action. His reflective account of presenting the Durham Declaration poster at EAIE not only illustrates sustainable travel in practice but also highlights how universities and their representatives can inspire change, engage with peers, and share tangible steps toward a greener, more responsible future.
Read Simon Litchfield’s full reflection below.
The Durham Declaration at EAIE: Practicing What We Preach
Dawn breaks and the first red rays of sun outline the silhouette of Durham’s cathedral and castle. ‘Where are you travelling?’ asks the conductor. ‘Gothenburg!’ I reply. A look of confusion crosses the ticket inspector’s face – it is not the usual train destination from the North East of England. I am off to EAIE, the largest gathering of universities in Europe, and will be presenting Coimbra Group’s Durham Declaration poster.
After the Channel Tunnel I take a relaxed lunch in Brussels and see messages from UK colleagues, all flying to Sweden. Snapping a picture of the vibrant colours of the vegetables in my plate, I sarcastically joke about my travel “hardship” and wish them well with their in-flight snack and tiny plastic bottles of wine. So often I am told that colleagues don’t have the time to travel by train. Here, I have perfect WiFi throughout my journey. As the names and stations of European cities (including many partners) sweep past, emails fly from my inbox, undisturbed by multiple check-ins and security controls.
My interrail pass gives my four travel days for €255. I’ve taken the opportunity to make short visits en-route at Hamburg and Lund for a couple of catch-up meetings. Two days and 2,100km after departing Durham the train pulls into Gothenburg Central. The friendly harbour city beckons, but now is time for business.
Coimbra Group’s Durham Declaration poster generates interest. Delegates gather around intrigued about what we are doing and want to hear more. Some want to know the tangible steps we are taking, others quiz about how we are linking this to UN SDG, some even want to know if they can sign their non-CG universities up to our standards.
Walking back to my hotel I take a moment to reflect. The Durham Climate Symposium was a call for action. We committed to: Celebrate, Affirm, Recognise, Appreciate, Support, Commit and Acknowledge our roles in addressing climate change. Coming to Gothenburg by train was a small step, but an important one. The path ahead for the Declaration is long and I still have 2,000km before I am home again. But as we practice what we preach, we can be both being agents of change and enjoy a journey together.
Simon Litchfield