Networks and commitment
The University of Cologne is involved in a variety of national and international networks on sustainability issues. On this page you will find a selection of central initiatives and actors with further information.
DG HochN
The German Society for Sustainability at Universities (DG HochN) is the Germany-wide network for sustainability at universities and supports this transformation process, e.g. through regular thematic hub meetings and a joint, publicly accessible knowledge wiki.
Humboldtn
Humboldtn is the sustainability initiative of the universities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Here, the 16 universities in the state actively promote the topic of sustainability in universities together with the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy and the North Rhine-Westphalian Academy of Sciences, Humanities and the Arts as well as other research and scientific institutions. It pools expertise and skills in basic research and implementation and application-oriented sustainability research in a joint platform.
EUniWell
The European University for Well-Being (EUniWell) is a European university alliance between twelve partner universities with the participation of the University of Cologne. Together with over 60 associated partners from eleven different regions in Europe, EUniWell pursues a holistic and action-oriented approach to Well-Being, addressing the well-being of the individual, the community and the environment in excellent research, teaching and with and for society in order to create impactful and sustainable change for our students and our societies, as well as for our institutions and staff.
Coimbra Group: Durham Declaration
The University of Cologne is a member of the Coimbra Group and signed the Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability at a Coimbra Group Climate Symposium in Durham, United Kingdom, in 2025. In the spirit of sustainability, climate protection and decarbonization, the member universities commit themselves to a joint approach to a transformation towards sustainability in the university's fields of action.
United Nations Academic Impact
The University of Cologne is involved in the United Nations Network for Universities and Education and serves as vice-chair for Teaching and Education for Sustainability within SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The SDG Hubs in the United Nations Academic Impact network concentrate the commitment of universities to sustainability worldwide and create a platform to jointly contribute to the necessary social transformation - through research, education and transfer.
Fair Trade University
The University of Cologne is committed to sustainability in food production as well as fair trade relations and working conditions. For this special commitment, it was awarded the title of "Fairtrade University" in May 2018. This title is associated with various criteria, including a diverse range of fair trade products and regular events on the topic of fair trade. A dedicated steering group also coordinates fair trade activities and developments at the university.