The U7+ Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to climate action and sustainability at COP29 in Baku in November 2024, ensuring that universities remain at the forefront of global climate discussions. With the leadership of University of Edinburgh, chair of the Working Group on Climate Change and Sustainability, and through an official UNFCCC side event, the participation of researchers from member institutions, and continued engagement in multilateral climate policymaking, U7+ reinforced the vital role of higher education in tackling climate change.
As part of its engagement at COP29, U7+ organized the official UNFCCC side event titled "Enhancing and Enabling Climate Solutions with Higher Education". This event showcased how universities act as hubs for research, innovation, and policy engagement, contributing to concrete climate solutions. Experts and researchers from U7+ institutions (University of Edinburgh, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Côte d’Azur) and its partners (Second Nature, Tec de Monterrey, NIAS) highlighted the impact of higher education in areas such as climate adaptation, mitigation strategies, and sustainability education.
Beyond its official event, U7+ facilitated the participation of numerous researchers and experts from its member universities in panels and discussions across both the Green and Blue Zones of COP29, notably on the Pavilion Science for Climate Action. These contributions emphasized the scientific expertise of universities and their ability to inform policymakers with research-driven insights on climate challenges.
U7+ also engaged in the SB sessions in Bonn in June 2024 leading up to COP29, ensuring that universities remain key partners in shaping global climate policies.
By participating in COP29 and reinforcing its role in climate policy discussions, U7+ continues to advocate for the central role of higher education in addressing planetary challenges and shaping a more sustainable future.
More about the event on Ecole Polytechnique's website.