Universities for the Planet

Institutions showcased how teaching, research and campus life can drive climate action and sustainable development.

The fourth edition invited universities to act as living laboratories for sustainability: greener campuses, interdisciplinary climate research and curricula that prepare graduates for a changing planet.

Sustainability touches every part of a university: curriculum, research, buildings, food, travel, investment and the partnerships with the city around it. The edition encouraged institutions to set clear, measurable goals and to involve students and staff in reaching them. Small, visible actions are welcome, but so are honest discussions about trade-offs, funding and the responsibility of higher education towards future generations.

How institutions marked the day

Institutions, student unions and organisations around the world marked the day on campus, online or in a hybrid form, on 19 June or in the days around it. Events held for this theme included:

• A campus clean-up, tree planting or biodiversity walk organised with student associations
• A climate research showcase where early-career researchers present to the public
• A repair café, swap shop or zero-waste day
• A panel on how the curriculum of every discipline can include sustainability
• A "green campus" audit in which students measure energy, waste and mobility

Official IHED Agenda

The IHED central organising team held the official event of this edition: a full day of seminars, sessions, conversations and celebration, in person at the host institution and online for participants everywhere. The agenda of the day:

• 09:00 Doors open, registration and coffee in the foyer
• 09:45 Opening ceremony by the host institution and the IHED organising team
• 10:15 Keynote: Universities as living laboratories for sustainability
• 11:15 Break in the foyer and networking
• 11:45 Panel: From research to local climate action
• 13:00 Lunch
• 14:00 Parallel seminars, in person and online
• 15:30 Workshop: Setting a measurable sustainability goal for your department
• 16:45 Fireside conversation with students, alumni and the host institution
• 17:30 Celebration: reception and cultural programme
• 18:30 Closing remarks and announcement of the next host

Tell the IHED organising team about your event

Did your institution mark the day with an event? Tell the IHED organising team. Use the registration form on this website and add your institution, the date, the format (on site, online or hybrid) and a short description, so that your event can be listed. The team reviews every submission and publishes approved events on the Events page. Questions? Write to the team through the contact page.