Welcome to the sixth edition of the Climate University newsletter. In this edition, you will find information on upcoming events and updates on projects relevant to the Climate University network.
The preparation for the next Climate University strategy period has begun
The Climate University partner meetings began in February, and they will continue throughout spring. The aim of the meetings is to gain an understanding of accessibility of the CU courses to the students of the network, and to recognize any development needs within the network. In addition, the interviews support the preparation of the new Climate University strategy from 2027 onwards.
Numbers of students attending Climate University courses organised by higher education institutions of the network are collected during the interviews, and this work together with the interviews will allow us to assess the impact of the Climate University network when it comes to educating Finnish youth about climate change and sustainability. A report about this work will be produced in autumn 2026.
Cluvex and UnaVEx Virtual exchanges
The virtual exchanges Cluvex and UnaVEx have since 2024 enabled students of the Climate University network to participate in virtual exchanges focusing on climate change education (Cluvex) or sustainability education (UnaVEx) in an international learning environment.
The 4th Cluvex virtual exchange was organised 23-27 February, and 68 students completed the 4th virtual exchange. The 5th and last Cluvex virtual exchange will be organised in April 2026.
It is highly appreciated if you share the information about this opportunity among your students. See a blog post about the 5th Cluvex on the Climate University blog.
The 3rd UnaVEx virtual exchange has been running throughout March, with more than 160 students attending the virtual exchange. Two more UnaVEx virtual exchanges will be organised in autumn 2026.
Read more about Cluvex and UnaVEx.
Reminder: ACCC Impact Week 2026
The 5th ACCC Impact Week is organised 14-17 April in Vuosaari, Helsinki. Climate University organises a session “Ilmasto-osaaminen käytäntöön” (in Finnish) on April 14 at 10:30 to 15, followed by a session on “Distance learning opportunities in Europe-Africa collaboration” (in English) and a performance by the Climate Theatre / Ilmastoteatteri. The performance will be in Finnish. In the morning, sci-fi writer and activit Risto Isomäki will talk about climate change risks and what to do (at 9.00). Participation is free of charge.
Ilmasto-osaaminen käytäntöön 14.4. 10:30-15
The “Ilmasto-osaaminen käytäntöön” – Climate skills to practice session focuses on how climate expertise shall be implemented to different levels of society. Examples of this from the Climate University network, the Specialisation Programme in Climate Expertise and the Pirkanmaa Climate Action Lab will be presented. After lunch the programme will continue as discussion in small groups.
The speakers of the session are Ossi Kekki (City of Valkeakoski), Jyrki Koivisto (Ylöjärven seurakunta), Tiina Piilo (Musti Group), Elina Oksanen (IUniversity of Eastern Finland), and Henri Jokinen (University of Helsinki). Kenneth Peltokangas (University of Helsinki) will moderate the discussion.
A session on “Opportunities of distance learning in Africa-Europe collaboration” will be following the Climate University session.
Opportunities of distance learning in Africa-Europe collaboration 14.4. 15:30-17
Distance learning provides opportunities for Africa-Europe collaboration in Higher Education. In this session, speakers from Finland and South Africa will share experiences from their ongoing projects and collaborations in the field of sustainability education.
Speakers: Kaisa Kurki (UniPID, Finland), Lee-Ann Modley (University of Johannesburg, South-Africa), Crister Nyberg (Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland), Abdirahim Husu (Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, Somalia) and Hanna Lappalainen (University of Helsinki).
The registration for the ACCC Impact Week is open until 7th April.
More information about the ACCC Impact Week and registration can be found here.
Save the date: Tieteestä tulevaisuus –seminar 5.11.2026 in Lappeenranta
The Tieteestä tulevaisuus -seminar focusing on science, sustainability and technology education will be organised in Lappeenranta in November 2026. This seminar gathers teachers from primary education, high schools and Junior universities and general education practitioners working on science, sustainability and technology education content.
At the seminar you will hear about emergent topics on science, sustainability and technology education topics, get to know practical operating models and network with colleagues.
Time and location : Thu 5.11.2026 at 10.00–16.00, LUT University, Lappeenranta
Lectures in the morning and practical workshops on current themes in the afternoon.
Target group: The seminar is aimed at basic education and upper secondary school teachers as well as Junior Universities and general education operators who work with the content of science, sustainability and technology education.
The seminar is free of charge.
Save the date in your calendar. The programme of the seminar and registration will open in September. The registration will be managed through Etelä-Karjalan Kesäyliopisto (kesyli.net).
Climate University joined the Higher Education Climate Network of Networks
Climate University has joined a Higher Education network that gathers climate-focused networks internationally: The Higher Education Climate Network of Networks (NoN).
NoN was founded in 2022 by the University of Toronto and the University of Cambridge, and today the network brings together over 30 climate networks from different countries and regions of the world. It has been an active platform promoting science-policy collaboration internationally.
Read more about the Higher Education Climate Network of Networks.
Find more about Climate University collaborators
The Climate University coordination team at University of Helsinki; climateuniversity(at)helsinki.fi