The University of Helsinki is heading to COP31 in Türkiye as part of a joint University of Helsinki–Aalto University delegation, bringing together researchers with expertise spanning climate science, energy transitions, sustainable cities, circular economy, sustainability innovation, climate governance, education, communication and climate justice.

From understanding our changing climate and transforming energy and urban systems to advancing circular solutions, climate justice and more effective climate communication, the delegation brings a broad range of research perspectives to the conversations surrounding COP31.

On 9 September, IUCA joined policymakers, practitioners and partners at UNFCCC Climate Week 4 in Baku for Turning Knowledge into Action: How Universities Drive Just and Inclusive Climate Ambition and Implementation through Action for Climate Empowerment.

The session explored how universities can contribute to Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) through research, education, public engagement, capacity building and collaboration, helping to connect knowledge with climate policy and implementation.

The discussion highlighted the unique position of universities as trusted sources of knowledge, convenors of diverse communities and partners in developing practical climate solutions.

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Alison Kitson, Programme Director for UCL’s Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education, welcomed everyone to UCL. She then handed the floor over to Fleur Newman, UNFCCC ACE lead and Stephen Davison, Director of Strategy, Cambridge Zero and the co-convenor of the Higher Education Network of Networks (NoN). Fleur provided an overview of the current development of the ACE Action Plan and the opportunities for HEIs to contribute. Building on this, Stephen reflected on the evolution of ACE over time and emphasised the important, yet often underrepresented, role of HEIs within these frameworks. Together, their introductions set the scene for an interactive discussion on how HEIs are already advancing ACE priorities and how the sector can strengthen its contribution to implementation, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and reporting in the years ahead.

Discussions illustrated the breadth of existing activity across HEIs, while also identifying opportunities for greater coordination, and more effective mechanisms for sharing knowledge and demonstrating impact. Rose Armour, Secretariat Director at IUCA, highlighted, “We brought together five climate alliances, IUCA, EAUC, ACU, NoN, and UK UCN representing hundreds of universities globally and emphasised the collective strength of the sector and its commitment to advancing the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) agenda.” A workshop summary will be prepared and circulated to participants’ for feedback and to determine next steps moving forward.

A huge thank you to everyone that participated and to UCL for their hospitality and support with the venue.

Organisations that attended:

• Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) | UNFCCC
• Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
• British Council
• Cambridge Zero
• EAUC
• International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA)
• Network of Climate Networks
• Office for Climate Education (OCE)
• QS
• SOS UK
• UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education
• UK Universities Climate Network (UK UCN)
• University of Exeter

We recently held our March Dialogue events and extend our thanks to all those who joined us online. The sessions included a series of informative presentations and provided opportunities for further engagement and discussion.

We also had a constructive discussion on IUCA’s role in COP processes and in supporting member engagement. Across both sessions, there was strong alignment on key priorities and approaches to strengthening IUCA’s collective impact.

For further information, including key insights, resources, and next steps, click the button below.