An agreement on the establishment of a Green Universities Forum was signed today (October 18) by three universities: the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, the University of Gdańsk and the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, which will undertake joint initiatives for sustainable development. The initiator of the forum and the event is UWM.

The letter of intent to establish the Green Universities Forum is the result of a sense of social responsibility and awareness of the special role of universities in education, which should respond to the challenges of the present and future, including the need to care for the state of the environment. The signatures on the document announcing the close cooperation of the universities in this area were affixed by their Rectors: dr hab. Jerzy Przyborowski, prof. UWM (University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn), prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski (University of Gdańsk) and prof. dr hab. Radosław Dobrowolski (Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin). Universities are combining their intellectual and infrastructural potentials to take further action in the area of sustainable development goals.

As prof. Jerzy Przyborowski admitted the initiative that has become a reality today is evidence of a community of values.

- 'The content of the letter of intent, as well as the actions that we will follow up, will perfectly fit in with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals announced by the UN. The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn has adopted six of them in its latest agenda. This does not mean, of course, that the others cease to exist. Here is an excellent opportunity to complement each other, to create joint initiatives and projects in the field of scientific research and education of our students,' - stressed the rector of UWM in Olsztyn. Professor Przyborowski also announced that exchanges of academic staff and students are planned, as well as open lectures organised at all universities. An inter-university team is to oversee the coordination of activities.

- 'Sustainable development and care for the environment are priorities at the University of Gdańsk. We are all the more pleased that, together with the University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska, we can join the initiative of the University of Warmia and Mazury to establish a Green University Forum,' - said prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski, rector of the UG. - 'We hope that the forum will soon expand to include other research centres that will learn from each other in terms of good practices, implementation of renewable energy sources and any other actions to inspire and support the academic community to transform the university into a green, resource-efficient and low-carbon campus network. Indeed, the forum aims to maximise the contribution to sustainable development in both scientific, environmental, social and economic dimensions.'

In turn, prof. dr hab. Radosław Dobrowolski emphasised that the signed letter of intent not only opens the door to cooperation but is also part of the philosophy of a modern university, for which the exchange of experience and networking are important. - 'From the very beginning of our joint talks, which have to some extent been finalised in today's agreement, we have intended to develop contacts between us broadly, and our overriding motto has been to build a university based on sustainable development,' - emphasised the rector of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. - 'Thanks to the community of thought and action, we are beginning a new chapter in the history of our universities.'

To seal the start of the cooperation, a commemorative oak tree was planted in Kortowo, UWM's academic campus. - 'This is a symbol of the unity of what is most dear to us - a future created in a sustainable way,' - said prof. Przyborowski.

In the document signed today, the rectors of UWM, UG and UMCS pledged that the universities they manage will implement their projects in such a way as to minimise the negative impact of their activities on the environment. The Green Universities Forum will also carefully manage resources and motivate the academic community to implement innovative projects.

The universities of Olsztyn, Gdańsk and Lublin want to use the cooperation they have just started to inspire the community and the socio-economic environment, thus involving more and more entities and institutions in their activities. Among the tasks they are setting themselves is to raise awareness of society and its impact on the care of our common natural heritage.