Maastricht University signs national manifesto ‘Duurzaam denken, duurzaam doen’

The manifesto, drawn up by the Young Academy and The Green Young Academy, is a call to universities and other knowledge institutions to explicitly take on their academic and planetary responsibility. According to the initiators, their social role, autonomy and academic freedom give them a key position in accelerating sustainability transitions. The document asks administrators to commit to a shared vision and direction and to take serious, demonstrable steps.

Rector Magnificus Jan Smits supports the signing of this manifesto: 'By signing this, we confirm and reinforce the course we have already set towards a sustainable UM. In doing so, it is important that we also strengthen our cooperation and connection with other knowledge institutions in this climate transition. In this society, we serve as role models in everything we do. Let us stand together and make a meaningful contribution to this transition to a healthy, green and liveable world.

For Maastricht University, the manifesto is closely aligned with its existing strategic course. Jeroen Warnier, Director of Sustainability: 'The ambitions are well aligned with the UM Sustainability Roadmap 2030, which sets out goals in the areas of climate neutrality, circularity, educational innovation and social impact. It also fits in with UM's commitment to sustainability in education and research, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary work and collaboration with social partners." 

The UM Sustainability Office is currently working on making the organisation more sustainable in accordance with the UM Sustainability Roadmap 2030. Would you like to know more about sustainability at UM? Take a look at the UM sustainability webpage.