Erasmus University Rotterdam has signed the Sustainability Manifesto Duurzaam Denken, Duurzaam Doen, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability through clear action, transparency, and collaboration. This signature marks an important milestone that aligns closely with the direction and long-term vision embedded in our institutional Strategy 2030.
Why this Manifesto Matters
The Manifesto Duurzaam Denken, Duurzaam Doen was initiated by the Green Young Academy. It stems from an analysis by De Jonge Akademie and the Green Young Academy, which found that Dutch universities could achieve greater coherence in their sustainability plans and more effectiveness by working closer together. By signing the Manifesto, knowledge institutions – including EUR – commit to shared principles to accelerate the climate transition together.
'The Manifesto further anchors sustainability as a guiding principle for the years ahead'
Recognising the Climate and Ecological Emergency
The university has previously expressed its ambition to create a net positive impact on the climate and on ecosystems through the way we teach, conduct research, and operate as an organisation. The Manifesto strengthens this foundation and further anchors sustainability as a guiding principle for the years ahead.
The Sustainability Vision Embedded in Strategy 2030
The ambitions in the Manifesto are not new to EUR. They reflect and reinforce the sustainability vision embedded in Strategy 2030, which was recently launched and positions sustainability as a key anchor of the university’s strategic priorities.
Sustainability is being integrated into our educational programmes, research agenda, campus life, and operational decision-making. An illustrative example is the introductory module ‘Navigating the Climate & Ecological Emergency: Exploring Your Role as a Force for Positive Change’ that is currently being piloted in several study programmes. This module exemplifies our broader effort to embed sustainability throughout the curriculum by preparing students to understand the urgency of the climate crisis and equipping them to become agents of positive change in their fields.
Anchoring Ambition Through Robust Accountability
To translate ambition into accountability, EUR has already taken the proactive step to voluntarily comply with the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) from 2026 onwards. This places our sustainability goals within a strong and transparent accountability framework. By adopting these standards ahead of schedule, we demonstrate our commitment to measurable progress and responsible leadership.
Strengthening Collaboration Through Shared Ambition
The Manifesto also strengthens EUR’s ability to collaborate with other institutions. By committing to shared objectives and a common language, we create the conditions for joint initiatives, shared learning, and stronger partnerships. This alignment enhances our collective capacity to accelerate meaningful and systemic change.
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