We are pleased to announce the 2015 Global University Climate Forum, which will take place during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris in December 2015. The Forum embodies the saying, “Think global; act local” by focusing on tangible, campus-based solutions that ultimately impact the dissemination of student awareness and global environmental consciousness. Sponsored by the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) with additional support from the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN), the Global University Climate Forum is a network of student teams from universities around the world who collaborate on initiatives that promote sustainability at their home institutions.
Teams of university students are invited to submit ideas for projects that will have measurable impacts on their campus, in their communities, or in a broader context. Selected teams will be invited to send two or three student representatives to participate in a one-day workshop during the COP21 in Paris (date to be confirmed, expected between December 4 and 8). Following this peer review workshop and networking event, teams will report monthly on their progress through an online platform, with the aim of keeping students in contact and active for the cause of addressing climate change.
In order to accommodate the varied schedules of universities around the world, the Global Forum will hold two application sessions. Students who plan to attend COP21 and who will need visas to travel to France are strongly encouraged to apply during the first application session.
Application Period 1
(Recommended for those who may require visas)
Application Period Start: 31 March 2015
Application Deadline: 30 April 2015
Finalist Notification: 18 May 2015
Application Period 2
(Preferred for teams that will include first year students)
Application Period Start: 01 September 2015
Application Deadline: 01 October 2015
Finalist Notification: 16 October 2015
Proposed event date: 6 December 2015 (to be confirmed)
Full application details and criteria can be found online.
We recognize that it may not be possible for all teams (or team members) to participate in the workshop, but this should not prevent students from applying. The Forum offers many other valuable opportunities to its members, including a collaborative online forum, mentorship and a certificate of completion. There is also the possibility of attending future workshops.
In the event of a high volume of accepted applications, workshop participation may be limited to one or two students per university, but the organizing team will endeavor to ensure that there are additional opportunities to participate and network.
Please email (sustainability@yale.edu) with questions or concerns about the application, projects, or the event itself. We look forward to reading applications and are excited to expand the networks of tomorrow’s sustainability leaders.
