Where does your purpose lie?
Some found it already. Others have had it since childhood. And still others, perhaps most, are still searching for it. Purpose. What you get up for. What you leave things for. What drives you, gives you energy, what you make others enthusiastic about.
Where does your purpose lie? With People, Planet, Peace? With Prosperity, or Partnership? These five domains, inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, guide our direction. And we warmly encourage you to take action in these areas.
Need inspiration?
People
Inequality, prejudice and stereotyping should not exist. Many people at the VUB are rightfully taking a stand against them.
Prosperity
Everyone wants a better life, yet even in Belgium 15% of people are living on the edge of poverty. In many countries, it’s far worse. Time to act.
Planet
The world is slowly overheating because of our actions. Commit to sustainability, a healthier climate and a greener university.
Partnership
Without collaboration, we get nowhere. That’s why we invest strongly in partnerships with other universities, governments, organisations, the city and many other actors. Are you in?
Peace
Peace and mutual understanding? Making that happen takes ideas - and allies. You’ll find plenty of both at the VUB. With a clear call to action.
Public programme: reflect and change
Change in the world starts with self-reflection and critical thinking. As an Urban Engaged University, we encourage our students, academics and staff not only to act, but also to think critically. Let the projects and activities from the Public programme inspire you. Let's reflect, think and take action together and contribute to positive change in the world.
Discover our podast series Rebels With A Cause
Mental health, gender equality, sustainability, fighting poverty and everything in between? It so happens that the VUB and its community lose sleep over these themes too. Rosanne Coetsier, also known as Rosie, got to explore them for us, in the podcastseries Rebels With A Cause, where she talks to young people and scientists about their experience and solutions that could change the world for the better.
Search for a project
*As an Urban Engaged University, we call upon our VUB community to help build a better world through social engagement. On the "The World Needs You" platform, the VUB collects socially meaningful projects on which students, staff, alumni and sympathisers can collaborate. These projects do not represent the university. The initiatives and communication are the responsibility of the project organisers and do not represent the university's position.
