Membership Strengthens EUCLID's Climate Change Expertise, Global Engagement, and International Research Networks
EUCLID HQ – June 27, 2026
EUCLID (Euclid University / Pôle Universitaire Euclide), the intergovernmental treaty-based university, today announced that its application for membership in the University of the Arctic (UArctic) was unanimously approved by the UArctic Assembly during its annual meeting on May 29, 2026, in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. The approval came as part of a record intake of 28 new members, bringing UArctic's total membership to 226 institutions worldwide.
UArctic is a cooperative international network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and organizations dedicated to higher education and research in and about the Circumpolar North. It promotes collaboration on critical issues such as climate change, sustainable development, Indigenous knowledge, and Arctic governance.
"This unanimous approval by the UArctic Assembly represents a significant milestone for EUCLID," said Winston Dookeran, Secretary-General and Head of Institution of EUCLID. "As an institution with deep expertise in climate studies, sustainable development, and diplomacy, and as an accredited intergovernmental observer to the UNFCCC with active participation in COP conferences, EUCLID is uniquely positioned to contribute to and benefit from UArctic's collaborative framework. This partnership bridges perspectives from the Global South with Arctic expertise at a time when climate action demands truly global cooperation."
EUCLID brings to UArctic its specialized online degree programs in climate change and sustainability, including the MSc and PhD in Climate Change and Sustainability, as well as related programs in sustainable development, global energy policy, and environmental management. The university holds formal intergovernmental observer status with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and has participated in high-level COP events, including COP28 in Dubai and COP30 in Belém, Brazil (2025). It also maintains observer status with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). These credentials align directly with UArctic's focus on climate impacts, resilience, energy transition, and the integration of Indigenous and scientific knowledge.
Importance for EUCLID's Global Mission Membership enhances EUCLID's capacity to advance climate policy, education, and research on the world stage. Arctic issues — including permafrost thaw, sea-ice loss, and community resilience — are central to global climate strategies under the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC processes. EUCLID's network of 12 participating states across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific will now gain stronger linkages to circumpolar research and educational resources, supporting capacity-building for officials and professionals in climate-vulnerable regions.
Benefits for Students and Faculty
- Students will gain access to UArctic's mobility program, thematic networks focused on climate, health, sustainability, and Indigenous issues, shared curricula, research catalogues, and opportunities for collaborative projects and internships. This expands international networking, enhances credentials with Arctic-focused expertise, and supports career pathways in global environmental governance and diplomacy.
- Faculty will benefit from enhanced research cooperation, participation in UArctic Thematic Networks and Congresses, joint publications, faculty exchanges, and visibility within a vibrant community of over 200 institutions. This fosters interdisciplinary work on climate resilience, sustainable development, and policy interfaces relevant to both Arctic and global contexts.
"This milestone reflects UArctic's increasingly inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to Arctic issues" noted UArctic leadership in connection with the 2026 Assembly decisions. The membership underscores UArctic's commitment to inclusive, interdisciplinary collaboration on Arctic and global challenges.
EUCLID, established in 2008 under multilateral agreements registered with the United Nations Treaty Series (UNTS I-49006 and I-49007), operates as a specialized intergovernmental university focused on capacity-building for civil servants, diplomats, and professionals worldwide. It maintains headquarters linkages in The Gambia and the Central African Republic, with international liaison offices in Europe and the United States supporting its global reach.
This membership further positions EUCLID as a bridge-builder in multilateral education and research, complementing its existing affiliations with bodies such as the Association of African Universities (AAU), UN Academic Impact, and others.
About EUCLID (Euclid University) EUCLID is an intergovernmental, treaty-based university delivering flexible, high-quality online degree programs in diplomacy, international affairs, sustainable development, climate studies, global health, and related fields. It serves students and professionals from its 12 participating states and beyond, with a strong emphasis on practical capacity-building aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. UArctic Profile at https://www.uarctic.org/members/member-profiles/63574/euclid-university + Learn more at www.euclid.int
About UArctic The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a cooperative network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organizations concerned with education and research in and about the North. UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and collaborative infrastructure that enables member institutions to better serve their constituents and their regions. Through cooperation in education, research, and outreach, UArctic enhances human capacity in the North, promotes viable communities and sustainable economies, and fosters global partnerships. Learn more at www.uarctic.org.
Media Contact
EUCLID Press Office | Email: [email protected] Website: www.euclid.int
UArctic Media: [email protected] | www.uarctic.org
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