Sustainability and higher education

12 November 2025

Light that has the shape of a book

University of Bern honours Pluralist Economics initiative

Rethinking economics beyond dominant economic theory? That’s what the University of Bern is honouring with its 2025 Prix Lux equal opportunities prize. The award goes to a student group that initiated a lecture series as part of CDE’s Minor in Sustainable Development.

15 April 2025

World map in colours

On the path to transformation

In autumn 2024, after years of preparation, it was finally time: the new CDE Master’s programme in Sustainability Transformations officially kicked off. Now, we take a moment to look back on an intense period – as well as to briefly look ahead.

1 May 2024

Panel discussion with Bernese politicians at Lerbermatt high school

High school students practised being change agents for climate action

How does climate policy work? Young people are particularly affected by it, but they often feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the issues and political processes involved. In April, we visited a high school and worked with students to change this. Politicians from Bern also joined in.

26 October 2023

Lilian Trechsel

“We must try to stand certain things on their head”

Many universities have taken up the cause of sustainability. But what about its practical implementation? In Bern, a great deal is happening right now: The universities have joined forces to promote Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Lilian Trechsel, CDE, is convinced the universities can learn a lot from each other.

12 August 2020

“Outside pressure is forcing universities in the direction of sustainability”

The Higher Education Summit 2020 will take place from 31.8. - 2.9. Anne Zimmermann, CDE researcher and President of summit co-organizer the COPERNICUS Alliance, discusses the role of universities in sustainable development.