Sustainability University Assembly

About Sustainability University Assembly

• Why is VU Amsterdam getting its own assembly?

  Shaping our future university is something we do together. To understand what is going on within our community in terms of sustainability and what ideas exist, we think it is important to have the conversation about it together. What role can and should our university play in light of climate change and sustainability developments? The citizens' assembly gives VU students and staff the opportunity to participate in thinking about this question through a democratic process, and thus the interpretation of the university's new sustainability strategy. 

• Who is organising the Sustainability University Assembly?

  The organisation is entirely in the hands of the G1000.nu Foundation. This is an independent organisation that has been organising citizens' assemblies throughout the Netherlands since 2014. The G1000 team sends personal invitations to a random selection of students and employees to participate in the VU Sustainability Assembly and coordinates the entire process that follows. Communication with participants is also picked up by G1000.  

• Why does VU Amsterdam not organise this instead?

  To ensure a transparent and independent process, G1000 facilitates and organizes VU’s Sustainability University Assembly. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam will not interfere in this, so that students and employees can participate in the process in a fair way and feel free to share their opinions and ideas. This way, they can be sure that the VU will not steer towards a particular outcome.

• What are the outcomes of the Sustainability University Assembly?

  During the last meeting, participants of the assembly hand over the so-called Sustainability University Agreement containing recommendations to the Executive Board. These recommendations form input for the implementation of the new sustainability strategy (up to 2030).  

• Where can I get more information?

  At www.vuassembly.nl, you will find all information about participation and the process.