Open letter to COP21

A global alliance of higher and further education networks representing over 10,000 universities, colleges and student organisations worldwide submitted this open letter to COP21 in December 2015. Addressed to Laurent Fabius, President of COP21, the letter advocates for governments to recognise and support the critical research and educational roles that academic institutions play in addressing climate change and broader sustainability challenges.

The letter outlines specific commitments from universities and colleges to embed climate and sustainable development education into curricula and operations, while calling on governments to support these efforts through funding, policy frameworks, and accountability measures. It emphasises the unique position of academic institutions as living laboratories and agents of change, capable of pioneering effective climate solutions and inspiring community action. The document requests enhanced support for transdisciplinary research linking climate solutions to systemic social and economic transformation, academic freedom in climate research, and investment in campus-based energy transition initiatives. By positioning higher education as essential to solving the climate crisis, this letter underscores the integral relationship between management education, institutional leadership, and global sustainability goals.