Congratulations to student campaigners at NUI Galway! The university has officially committed to divest from fossil fuel shares by the end of 2017.
“It is with no small measure of delight that we announce NUI Galway’s commitment to divestment. We are extremely happy with the result and the support from Dr. Browne. We are glad that this campaign has come to a conclusion, and we look forward to assisting NUI Galway in the formation of its Ethical Investment Policy”. Colm Duffy, Auditor of the CCAFS Society, Director of the Fossil Free Campaign and member Student Union Executive Committee
The Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) Society in NUIG began its divestment campaign in November 2016. They started off by submitting a petition of over 1,000 signatures along with “a report highlighting the case for divestment of the €3.4 million worth of shares that NUI Galway had invested in companies such as Gazprom and Statoil.”
The university already had a stated focus on sustainability and was open to the possibility of divestment, and it has followed through.
“This is an important development and I am delighted that NUI Galway has taken a leadership position nationally in promoting such an ethical investment policy, including fossil fuel divestment. I’d like to commend the students involved in CCAFS and the Students’ Union leadership who have highlighted an important global issue that impacts on climate change, social equity and a range of important ethical issues today. Their actions and advocacy demonstrate their commitment as global citizens who will shape our planet’s future.“ NUI Galway President Dr James Browne
It is indeed a great sign of divestment leadership that NUI Galway has reached this decision and yet another vote of confidence in student activism and campaigning and what concrete results it can achieve in such a short time.
On the 21st of March NUI Galway will be hosting the 3rd annual Climate Congress on Divestment and Sustainable Investment.