Université Côte d'Azur strengthens its commitment to scientific diplomacy at the European level

The EUSDA is a European network of academic and institutional actors committed to strengthening the role of science in international relations and European public policy-making. The European Climate Pact is one of the operational arms of the European Green Deal, which recognizes and promotes the involvement of organizations committed to climate neutrality and a sustainable Europe by 2050.

The aim is to enshrine at European level a commitment to science diplomacy that has already been affirmed at international level, in order to anchor our attachment to a strong, united Europe that is fully aware of its major role.

For several years now, Université Côte d'Azur has been developing an integrated approach to scientific and climate diplomacy, combining research, training, international partnerships, and dialogue with public decision-makers. This dynamic is reflected in concrete, high-impact actions carried out as part of Université Côte d'Azur's International and European Program of the Initiative of Excellence (IdEx).

Among these, the co-organization of the Science for Climate Action Pavilion during the COP climate conferences is a highlight of its commitment. This international space for dialogue highlights the contributions of research to climate policies and promotes exchanges between scientists, policy makers, international institutions, and civil society, thereby strengthening the role of science in climate-related decision-making processes. At the same time, Université Côte d'Azur organizes "En Route pour la COP Climat" (On the Way to the Climate COP) or "COP Miroir"(COP Mirror), an initiative to mobilize the academic and citizen community around climate issues and encourage local engagement in global climate action.

Université Côte d'Azur also invests in training and disseminating scientific diplomacy to a wide audience. The development of a MOOC in French on scientific diplomacy, in collaboration with the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), illustrates this desire to structure and democratize this emerging field by widely disseminating its challenges, tools, and key skills.

Finally, the University relies on a vast network of structuring partnerships to amplify its action. In particular, it is part of the U7+ Global Universities Alliance, for which it will host the secretariat for the period 2024-2027. This international network works to strengthen the voice of universities in multilateral dialogue, particularly with the leaders of the G7 countries.

These two recognitions—membership in the European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance and the European Climate Pact—confirm the University's strategic positioning at the interface between science, public policy, and ecological transition, and reinforce its role as an academic actor committed to addressing major global issues. Through these commitments, Université Côte d'Azur reaffirms its desire to actively contribute to building a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Europe.