Network partnerships

A few years ago, Universität Hamburg’s Executive University Board signed the COPERNICUS Charta, thereby committing to sustainable development as a leading principle. In September 2015, Universität Hamburg will take another step on the path towards shaping a sustainable university by becoming a member of the COPERNICUS Alliance. As a member, we will take part in the University network for sustainable development and realize sustainability projects in cooperation with international universities.

The Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW), Universität Hamburg, and the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) network in to discuss sustainable development at universities and to realize sustainability projects such as the Climate Savings Book.

In the field of education, universities play an important role in sustainable development. They are responsible for educating future decision-makers, a responsibility which The Higher Education and Sustainability working group addresses. The working group was established in the wake of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD). Several higher education institutions formed an alliance and now regularly meet to exchange ideas on education in sustainable development. Since the 2015 transition from the DESD to the Global Action Program on Educational Sustainability, higher education institutions have been working together in the Higher Education and Sustainability network. Universität Hamburg actively participates in this network  to promote education for sustainable development at the University and network with other universities on its path towards becoming a University for a Sustainable Future. On 19 March 2015, the working group was invited to Hamburg. Over 40 members exchanged ideas and developed shared perspectives. Read the article in German for more information about the meeting.

The KNU is a co-founder and member of the Sustainability Reporting Network for Higher Education. The KNU has already hosted 4 workshops on sustainability reporting to more clearly define the Network’s program, create a foundation for intensive networking, and discuss issues related to sustainability reporting at universities.