The University of Coimbra strengthens its commitment to sustainable development by joining international networks

The University of Coimbra (UC) is strengthening its institutional commitment to sustainability by becoming a member of four high-impact international networks: Nature Positive Universities, the International Universities Climate Alliance, the Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative, and MetaRed S. This integration aims to maximise UC's actions for a more sustainable future, consolidating its role as a reference for responsible practices and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17, which promotes partnerships to achieve global goals.

UC will now report annually on its progress in mitigating negative impacts and promoting sustainable practices, such as restoring ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity, by joining Nature Positive Universities. This initiative, led by the United Nations Environment Programme and the University of Oxford, includes 670 universities from 108 countries united by the goal of conserving and restoring biodiversity.

UC is the first Portuguese institution to join the International Universities Climate Alliance, launched in 2020 by the University of New South Wales in Sydney. This alliance brings together 45 universities from 25 countries to share the latest research on climate change and assist global leaders, decision-makers, and industry in developing effective strategies to respond to climate change.

UC will contribute to the scientific advancement of climate change research and develop innovative solutions to address its impacts. The Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) brings together around 40 of the world's leading information and communications technology (ICT) companies, global partnerships, and international organisations to drive the convergence of digital technology and sustainability. By joining GeSI, UC aims to harness the potential of digital technologies to create positive social, environmental, and economic impacts, helping to tackle today’s global challenges through technological innovation.

UC's membership of MetaRed S, an initiative promoted by Universia and Santander Universidades, will strengthen collaboration with other higher education institutions in the Ibero-American region in the areas of sustainability and social responsibility. MetaRed S involves several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, Peru, and Portugal, and promotes the exchange of experiences and the development of joint projects.

With these new partnerships, the University of Coimbra reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and positions itself as a leading higher education institution in building a more balanced and equitable future for all.