The Climate-U network brings together universities from around the world committed to working together to address the climate crisis. The network was born out of the Climate-U project (Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate), which ran from February 2020 to January 2024, funded by the UK Global Challenges Research Fund.
The network aims to strengthen climate action and sustainability efforts within each institution and collaboratively, given that the sustainability challenges traverse sectors and regions. Universities are central to the transformation of societies through their unique role in civic, personal and professional development, knowledge production, and public debate. While there has been increasing attention to the active role universities can play in recent years, and many institutions have committed to achieving carbon neutrality and just transitions, there is still a significant knowledge gap.
Building on previous conferences on held in London, UK (2023), Nairobi, Kenya (2024), and Belém, Brazil (2025), the 2026 conference provides a space for debate, exchange of ideas, and sharing of new research on diverse aspects of the higher education - climate crisis - sustainability axis. It offers a platform for a range of activities, including interactive seminars, workshops, research papers and artistic engagements, featuring interdisciplinary perspectives from prominent speakers and decision-makers in climate education.
The event offers an immersive experience in the Pacific Islands, fostering engagement with indigenous communities in Fiji. It provides international network members with opportunities for deep environmental immersion and interactive workshops where communities share traditional knowledge and innovative approaches to climate change and education. There will also be dedicated developmental and networking opportunities for early-career researchers.
The 2026 Climate-U Network International Conference will be held in Suva, the capital of Fiji, with virtual options for participation also available for research papers and symposia. The organising team welcomes submissions for presentations from academics, practitioners, activists, early-career researchers and students.