Leiden University signs Durham Declaration: intensified climate collaboration
The Durham Declaration was presented at the Climate Symposium marking the Coimbra Group’s 40th anniversary on 26 March. Leiden University is proud to be one of the first signatories of this declaration.
The declaration, in full the Durham Declaration on the Collaboration of Coimbra Group Universities on Climate Change and Sustainability, underscores the need for universities to collaborate more closely and make a lasting commitment to slowing down climate change.
The signatory institutions have committed to lasting investments in innovation, solutions and research to tackle the challenges of climate change. The universities also emphasise their role as educators with a responsibility to train students to be critical world citizens who are aware of the complex challenges that lie ahead.
The university as agent of change
In her speech at the symposium Annetje Ottow, President of Leiden University’s Executive Board, stressed the crucial role universities play as agents of change. ‘A small action can bring about great change’, she said. ‘We can achieve more if we look beyond disciplinary boundaries and work together intensively – not just as individuals but also as institutions – with colleagues, academic partners, governments, industry and society.’
Leiden University is contributing to this transition with its interdisciplinary sustainability research in, for instance, networks such as its Liveable Planet programmd and the Leiden Biodiversity Network. By linking our research to local and international partners, governments and similar initiatives, we increase our reach and create a shared narrative to make a global impact.
Connecting local and international initiatives
The Durham Declaration fits in well with our ambitions. It will be presented later this year at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and will open new opportunities for knowledge sharing and European climate change collaboration. In a time in which international cooperation is essential, the Durham Declaration provides an opportunity to bring together knowledge and resources and thus achieve a global impact.
Join our efforts
If you would like to join our efforts or find out more about our sustainability policy, contact our central sustainability department at duurzaamheid@leidenuniv.nl or contact our spokespersons.