4 July 2025
Secretariat Announcement: We're heading to Reading!
Alliance member universities have appointed the University of Reading (UK) to host the Secretariat of the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) from 2026 – 2028. Leveraging a powerful combination of world class research, practical action, and educational innovation, the University of Reading welcomes the opportunity in its centenary year to invest its energy and expertise into advancing the Alliance’s global impact, maintaining the strategic and operational frameworks established by UNSW Sydney.
The University of Reading recognises that ambitious global action for a sustainable future requires a multi-disciplinary approach to climate scholarship and convening students, leaders, academics, professional and technical staff in collaborative problem-solving.
The appointment process was undertaken in accordance with IUCA policy, and in alignment with the vision of founding members, that its Secretariat would grow, evolve and benefit from a cyclical rotation of the designated host university.
The University of Reading, UNSW Sydney and the IUCA Secretariat will collaborate closely in the coming months to prepare for a smooth transition into the new year. It remains a priority for the Secretariat to ensure continued collaborative momentum driving our shared strategic objectives and to continue to deepen engagement with current and prospective global partners.
UNSW Sydney is proud to have founded the Alliance and will continue to play an active member role in pursuit of IUCA’s global strategic objectives. Members are all united by a shared vision to accelerate action on climate change and we believe it is through globally coordinated collaboration that we can create greater insight, and action. The IUCA harnesses the research and knowledge of universities across the globe, providing a robust evidence base on which action can be founded. Such platforms are needed now more than ever as the world continues to develop coordinated and equitable approaches to tackling climate change.
As UNSW prepares to transition the leadership of the IUCA to the University of Reading, UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs highlighted the University’s commitment to global climate collaboration and praised the Alliance’s growing impact.
“UNSW is privileged to have established and hosted the Alliance for the last 5 years. We are deeply grateful to all in the network who have contributed to its remarkable achievements. On behalf of the IUCA Executive Committee, we are excited to collaborate with the University of Reading as they take on the leadership role next year. We have every confidence that the Alliance will continue to grow its global influence, driving innovative, real-world solutions that are essential for building a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”
There will be a continued period of transition support provided between Secretariat teams in 2026 to ensure continuity.
Questions? Please contact the IUCA Secretariat.
