A strategic gathering for sustainable transformation across universities, cities and regions
On October 7th, 2025, the University of Angers (France) will host the first EU GREEN Conference of the Parties (COP1), a strategic gathering for collaboration on sustainability and climate action.
This event takes place in a context where European agendas increasingly encourage coordinated action on climate and sustainability:
- The European Green Deal aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, through clean energy, sustainable mobility, biodiversity protection and circular economy models.
- The Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, launched by the European Commission, supporting 112 cities in their transition to climate neutrality by 2030. Among them four alliance partner cities: Angers (France), Gävle (Sweden), Parma (Italy) and Wrocław (Poland).
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a global framework that inspires the EU GREEN alliance in all its missions: education, research, innovation, well-being on campuses and service to society.
Within this context, COP1 represents a concrete step towards aligning campus strategies and territorial actions and promoting a shared vision for sustainable transformation.
A joint initiative led by universities and cities
COP1 will gather up to 100 participants from across the alliance and its local ecosystems.
This includes:
- Local and regional political representatives (mayors, elected officials, urban planners, sustainability officers…) from each partners’ city and region, playing a key role in shaping climate policy, supporting innovation, and implementing sustainable solutions in our communities.
- University leaders (rectors and vice-presidents) aligning institutional strategies with regional and local transitions.
- EU GREEN representatives from WP8 (Healthy and Sustainable Campuses) and WP5 (Engagement), focused on campus sustainability and societal engagement.
- Researchers and sustainability experts, bringing insight and examples of best practice.
- Student Council members, contributing fresh perspectives and representing youth engagement.
By bringing these actors together, the COP aims to reinforce collaboration to set the foundations for long-term partnerships, and to create a common strategy for a more sustainable future in our communities.
Main goals and themes
Throughout the day, participants will take part in roundtables, workshops and networking sessions addressing the following priorities:
- Presenting and exchanging best practices from campuses and cities across the alliance,
- Exploring how universities can act as Living Labs for sustainable innovation and local transformation,
- Discussing the role of education, research and student engagement in achieving climate goals,
- Drafting a common Charter for sustainable university-territory cooperation.
PROGRAMME
Looking ahead: COP2 in Gävle, Sweden
This event is the first in a series of two: a second COP will be hosted in 2026 by the University of Gävle, to continue the process and follow up on the commitments across EU GREEN universities, cities and regions.