vub logo

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)

For more than 50 years, Vrije Universiteit Brussel has been committed to solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. With high-quality research, tailor-made training and a strong social commitment, we work from Brussels and Europe. We act according to the principles of the Enlightenment: critical thinking, free curiosity and humanism. This is how we make the world a better place.

Sectors

Education & scientific research

Social media

Involved in

Human Rights & Environmental Due Diligence

Between 2020 and 2022, the Human Rights & Environmental Due Diligence programme supported companies in strengthening human rights and environmental due diligence throughout their value chains. Through workshops and tailored guidance, participants developed risk maps, action plans and strategies to sustainable embed due diligence into their policies.

Beyond Chocolate

Beyond Chocolate brought together chocolate brands, governments, retailers and NGOs in 2018 to make the cocoa chain fairer and more sustainable. The partnership worked towards living incomes for farmers, preventing deforestation and increase transparency, with lasting impact from producer to consumer.

Green Deal Circular Purchasing

From 2017 to 2021, the Green Deal Circular Procurement united companies, governments and civil society organisations to strengthen sustainable procurement policies. By sharing knowledge and developing circular criteria in tenders, the initiative stimulated a market that fuels reuse and innovation. An important step toward a structural circular economy in Flanders.

Sign for my future

Sign for my Future, launched in 2019, grew into one of the largest climate campaigns in Belgium. The initiative brought together citizens, businesses, civil society and academics to call on policymakers for ambitious and binding climate policies. With more than 340,000 signatures, The Shift as a unifying force ensured broad public support.

Green Deal Shared mobility

The Green Deal Shared mobility united companies, governments and citizens from 2018 to 2022 to embed shared mobility in Flanders. Through collaboration and innovation, the initiative promoted sustainable, accessible alternatives to individual transportation.

Green Deal Sustainable Urban Logistics

Between 2017 and 2021, the Green Deal Sustainable Urban Logistics brought together companies, cities and experts to organize deliveries smarter and emission-free. Through innovative pilot projects and knowledge sharing, solutions emerged for cleaner, livable and future-proof cities.

Belgian Alliance for Climate Action

The Belgian Alliance for Climate Action (BACA) was founded in 2020 by The Shift and WWF-Belgium to connect organisations with a shared ambition to accelerate the transition towards a climate-neutral society. The initiative focussed on taking concrete climate action through Science-Based Targets, peer learning, interactive workshops and inspiring events.

Developing your Inner Skills

Sustainability challenges are not just technical or systemic – they are deeply human. To lead with meaning in a complex world, we need inner growth. With this community of practice, you’ll gain the tools, techniques and network to strengthen your inner power to make a difference.

SDGs