The Role of Universities in Tackling the Climate Challenge: The University of Bologna at the Climate Symposium

From 24 to 26 March 2025, the Rector, together with the Vice-Rector for International Relations and the Delegate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, participated in the Climate Symposium hosted by Durham University and organized by the Coimbra Group. The event provided an opportunity to reflect not only on developments in academic research and educational projects related to climate change but also on the innovative actions universities are implementing to protect the environment.

Visions, strategies, and practices for monitoring and mitigating climate change were presented and discussed by universities in the network, aiming to assess their impacts and prospects both in local contexts where they are implemented and, collectively, at the European and global levels. Emphasizing the crucial role of universities in translating values into concrete actions, the Rector presented the University’s Energy Master Plan and Strategic Plan, highlighting their alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the symposium, participating Rectors had the opportunity to sign the Durham Declaration, a document developed by the Coimbra Group to reaffirm the network’s shared, ongoing, and concrete commitment to "understanding, mitigating, reducing, and preparing for the impacts of climate change […] through research, education, public engagement, and collaboration" among academic, public, and private institutions.

The Declaration will be further discussed and promoted at the Coimbra Group General Assembly, which will take place in Bologna from 10 to 13 June 2025 and will also mark the network’s 40th anniversary celebrations.