EC2U Forum at University of Coimbra

  • EC2U Forum at University of Coimbra
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    Preparing Communities for a Sustainable Tomorrow

    The 2025 edition of the EC2U Forum will be hosted at the University of Coimbra, in Portugal. This annual gathering of the EC2U community will focus on the theme “Preparing Communities for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” with an emphasis on the 11th Sustainable Development Goal: Sustainable Cities and Communities and on the 13th Sustainable Development Goal: Climate Change.

    From May 19th to 22nd, the 9th EC2U Forum will bring together communities from all nine partner universities to reflect on and discuss the critical challenges we face as a society in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

    The four-day event will feature a variety of initiatives, engaging representatives, faculty, researchers, and students from partner universities, as well as alliance partners and local citizens.

     

    Welcome words

    José Manuel Silva – Mayor of Coimbra

    “I am delighted to welcome all the EC2U community to Coimbra, the first capital of Portugal!

    The Municipality of Coimbra is deeply committed from day one to the principles of the EC2U Alliance, promoting the connection of the participant universities to the city and the environment in which they are inserted.

    We are proud to work together with the University of Coimbra and all the Universities and stakeholders of this exceptional european university alliance, and I am sure that that this Forum, focused on the theme “Preparing Communities for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, will have a thriving impact in the way our cities and universities determine our work together towards Sustainable Cities and Communities.

    Coimbra is a city with a strong internationalization component over the course of its history and always very dynamic in terms of European and international cooperation.

    I’m sure that Coimbra’s classified UNESCO heritage, singular traditions, notable history and cosmopolitan lifestyle will inspire all of you at this EC2U Forum celebrating as well European values and international cooperation.

    Let me tell you a secret: those who visit Coimbra never forget the city!

    Welcome to Coimbra, the right place to be.”

    Amílcar Falcão – Rector of University of Coimbra

    “Welcome to the EC2U Forum at the University of Coimbra, the oldest University in Portugal and in the Portuguese-speaking world, and one of the oldest in the world, with 735 years of history and knowledge. The University of Coimbra has a unique tangible and intangible heritage, a cornerstone in the scientific culture of Europe and the world, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

    As a comprehensive University deeply committed to sustainability and research, the University of Coimbra is honored to host this year’s forum dedicated to the theme “Preparing Communities for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.

    We welcome all representatives, professors, researchers, students and associated partners to take advantage of the activities prepared by the University and the City of Coimbra and to work together towards the consolidation of this exceptional European Alliance that strives for a future built around humanistic, citizen-centred, and sustainable collaborative actions.”

    João Nuno Calvão da Silva – Vice-Rector of University of Coimbra for External Relations and Alumni

    “The University of Coimbra has been and will always be a University open to the world, with 120 nationalities studying at our eight faculties and numerous research centres, and also a strong presence in the Portuguese-speaking world, in Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries, East Timor and the Macau Special Administrative Region.

    The University of Coimbra is a cosmopolitan, free and democratic university, founded on the values of tolerance, integration and dialogue. These are also core values of European integration, that are very well exemplified in the work of the EC2U Alliance.

    We encourage you to immerse yourselves in the unique academic culture and life of Coimbra and look forward to welcoming colleagues and students from all universities and cities committed to EC2U values and cooperation.”

    Pedro Miguel Almeida – President of ESN Coimbra

    “After attending some EC2U Forums in other European cities belonging to this amazing Alliance, it is an honor to welcome you all on the Europe’s westernmost EC2U city: the beautiful city of Coimbra. As the President of ESN Coimbra, I am truly honored to be part of this remarkable gathering that unites students, academics, and professionals from across Europe in a spirit of collaboration and innovation, all with the same goal: striving for the future of student mobility in Europe.

    This year’s forum, at the University of Coimbra, Portugal’s most sustainable University, each one of you will have the opportunity to share your insights, engaging in meaningful discussions, and work towards solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

    I hope that you feel inspired by the tradition and spirit of our city in order to connect with your peers, exchange ideas, and take part in the various activities that will make this forum so special. Whether through the Students’ Challenge, expert panels, or networking opportunities, this is a chance to leave a lasting impact and strengthen the bonds that unite our European Academic Community.

    Welcome to Coimbra and to the EC2U Forum. Let’s work together to build a future driven by knowledge, cooperation, and positive change!”

    Carlos Magalhães – Academic Association of Coimbra (AAC), Coimbra’s Student Union

    It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the EC2U Forum at the University of Coimbra (UC). On behalf of the Associação Académica de Coimbra, Coimbra’s Student Union, we are honored to host this event in Portugal, where visions for the future will be discussed.

    As a proud and longstanding Associated Partner of the EC2U Alliance since its inception, it is a great privilege to host the flagship event of our European Campus—an initiative that fosters knowledge empowerment, drives innovation, promotes a culture of collaboration, and unites our communities.

    This 2025 Forum, centered on “Preparing Communities for a Sustainable Tomorrow,” will inspire us to reflect on the various impacts and dimensions of climate action, as well as the promotion of sustainable cities and communities. How can we, as institutions of knowledge, students, and citizens, contribute to these efforts? Throughout this 9th Forum, I am eager to listen, learn, and witness firsthand how the European academic community can actively engage in making a meaningful impact—not only within our local communities but also across Europe and the world. Small actions can lead to significant change, and this is one of the core missions of EC2U, challenging us all to rise to the occasion.

    Welcome to Coimbra, welcome to UC. Let us strengthen our bonds, exchange visions for the future, and explore our collective role in shaping it.

    Programme

    updated on 21.05.2025

    Registration

    Don’t miss out on the exciting opportunity to attend the Forum!

    Make sure to secure your spot by registering through the link below before April 20th.

    EC2U Student Challenge

    During the Forum, the hosting university offers a programme for students, called the EC2U Student Challenge. The student programme will take place from 19 to 21 May 2025.
    The student programme has been planned together with students with the aim of fostering intercultural and interdisciplinary exchanges. Students will be divided into small groups that work on a chosen topic together with a mentor virtually before the Forum and on site during the Forum. At the end of the week, the results will be presented in a session called Voice of Students.

    The topics are:

    1. Renewable and affordable energy solutions

    Energy is a crucial factor, but Europe is currently facing an energy crisis, emphasizing the urgent need to rethink resource management and environmental sustainability. Considering the role of universities in developing innovative solutions to promote renewable energy and their collective alignment with UN Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this subtopic invites students to explore “How can universities and students contribute to develop renewable and affordable energy solutions?”

    2. How to Cope with eco-anxiety?

    Eco-anxiety results from uncertainty, unpredictability, and lack of control over climate change and ecological degradation. It can lead to feelings of fear, anger, dread, guilt, and despair, alongside with physical symptoms like insomnia and panic attacks. Several strategies can help individuals cope with eco-anxiety: promote a mindful approach to mental health issues in academia, foster education on concrete actions to mitigate climate change, engaging in open dialogues, and promoting active participation in climate-related efforts may reduce distress. In this subtopic, students will explore possible answers to the question “How to mitigate mental health issues in academia and help individuals to cope with eco-anxiety?”

    3. Ideas for sustainable and clean city transportation

    Mobility is essential highlighting the need to develop sustainable and accessible transportation systems. Ensuring efficient and ecofriendly mobility requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including universities and municipalities. This subtopic invites students to discuss creative solutions for sustainable and clean city transportation, trying to answer the question “How to promote greener, more inclusive and sustainable mobility options?”

    4. Make everyone aware of their role in helping the earth

    Sustainability must be a shared commitment, and students play a crucial role in shaping a greener present and future. Citizens are active agents to foster change towards a more sustainable world. Whether through daily actions or collective initiatives, they can drive change by promoting active awareness and advocating for environmental responsibility. Students can lead this process by engaging in their universities, neighbourhoods, and local communities. This subtopic will explore “How can student-led initiatives create tangible environmental impact and inspire broader societal change?”

    5. The role of arts, media and communication

    Arts, media and communication are powerful tools in shaping public perception and driving change. In the context of sustainability, they play a key role in raising awareness, inspiring action, and promoting scientific information. This sub-group will explore how various forms of media – from social platforms to journalism and modern arts – can encourage action toward a more sustainable future. Students will engage and discuss “How can creative expression foster engagement and active citizenship for sustainable actions?”

    6. Creating green spaces for students to combat sustainability challenges

    Urban environments, especially in rapidly growing cities, are facing significant challenges, including air pollution, heat islands, the loss of biodiversity. One effective way to address these issues is through the development of green spaces, which offer ecological and social benefits, playing a crucial role in improving both the physical and mental well-being of students. These spaces can enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and create healthier and more enjoyable spaces for students. But “How can universities develop a strong culture of green spaces in their campuses?”

    Useful Information

    Walk through the city by using the EC2U app

    If you want to find more about the city of Coimbra and its university, you can use the EC2U Mobile Application: https://mmt.ec2u.eu/

     

    Travel & Accomodation

    Click here to find tips on how to get to Coimbra and a list of hotels that offer special prices for EC2U.

     

    Contact

    If you have any questions, please contact the local organising team: ec2u@uc.pt.