The Higher Education Climate Network of Networks
Connecting the Global Sector for High-Impact Climate Action
Addressing the climate crisis requires more than individual institutional pledges; it demands a unified global sector capable of moving at the speed and scale of the Paris Agreement. This shared need underscores the value of the Higher Education Climate Network of Networks (NoN).
Co-founded in 2022 by the University of Toronto and the University of Cambridge, the NoN is a coalition of over 30 climate networks representing different countries, regions and global groups, and thousands of institutions that have committed to advancing climate and sustainability action in the higher education sector.
The goal of the NoN is to enhance sector-wide coordination and accelerated climate action within, among, and beyond these networks, demonstrating that universities are active implementation partners alongside their work in research, policy advisory, education and engagement.
A Coalition of Coalitions
NoN engages higher education climate leaders and institutions that sit at the intersection of multiple influence networks.
By bringing together a coalition of diverse and influential higher-education climate groups and key partners, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat and the High Level Climate Champions and Team, the Network of Networks aims to transform isolated commitments into a powerful, collective voice.
Core Functions
Our work focuses on strategic alignment across three platforms:
- Network Advice: Providing tools and insights to deepen climate impact
- Policy Support: Strengthening the voice of higher education in global policymaking (e.g., the Global Stocktake)
- Sector-wide Engagement: Building a connected community to mobilize around regional needs
Co-Convenors
The NoN leverages global leadership in sustainability and policy support as well as the full suite of strengths across the sector in education, research, partnerships and convening to target meaningful impact.
A unique partnership between the U of T and the University of Cambridge make this possible.
- Dr. Kristy Faccer: Director of the Secretariat, President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability (CECCS), University of Toronto
- Stephen Davison: Executive Director, Cambridge Zero, University of Cambridge
Networks in the NoN Community
Networks in the NoN Community
Azerbaijan Universities Climate Network
Israeli Universities Climate Network
Milestones & Impacts
The co-convenors and networks meet virtually throughout the year and at select climate events (e.g. Bonn intersessionals, Climate Weeks) to share information, collaborate on engagements and events, and build relevant interventions by the higher education sector.
2025
2025
- At COP30, NoN supports the “Mutirão” for Climate Action. Action Agenda includes ‘Strengthening Higher Education Plan to Accelerate Solutions co-lead by the NoN and EAUC. Higher education events and pavilion coordinated by participating networks with leadership from the COP30 host region includes more than 65 university partners and more from outside the sector
- NoN establishes partnership with UN Climate Change Secretariat Action Empowerment Unit
- NoN grows to more than 30 participating networks
2024
2024
- At COP29 (Baku, 2024), the NoN held its annual roundtable hosted by ADA University, and NoN partners also participated in COP29 programming including the ‘Climate-proofing SMEs’ campaign session in the Blue Zone
- Supported the Climate Champions by facilitating secondment of Higher Education Lead and work programme
- NoN supports the establishment of a Science Panel for COP29
2023
2023
- At COP28 (Dubai, 2023), NoN convened an agenda-setting roundtable on Education Day and supported higher-education convening (including a higher education pavilion initiative and a green-zone gathering). COP28 also featured the UAE Universities Climate Network as a COP28-linked initiative
- Development and agreement on the NoN Vision and Priorities
- NoN supports establishment of UAE Universities Network and appointment of Education Lead in COP28 Presidency
2022
2022
- At COP27 (Sharm El-Sheikh, 2022), High Level Champion for Egypt endorses the work of the NoN in a convening at the America is All in Action Center
- Launch: The NoN concept was advanced through a February 21, 2022 convening led by COP26 President Alok Sharma with higher-education network partners including UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN) and the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN). The NoN was officially launched thereafter with about 15 groups co-convened by U of T and Cambridge
Are you a higher ed climate network leader or prospective partner? Reach out to us!
The Network of Networks is supported by the President’s Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability (CECCS) at U of T.