ucoopia

Ucoopia is a Belgian university NGO focused on international cooperation, born from the merger of Eclosio and ULB-Coopération and supported by the University of Liège, the Free University of Brussels (ULB), and the University of Mons. It presents itself as Europe’s first inter-university NGO, combining academic research, field action, and civic engagement to develop projects rooted in local realities. The organization works with local organizations, civil society actors, and universities across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Belgium. Its mission is to contribute to more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies by preserving natural resources, supporting socioeconomic inclusion, strengthening health systems, and encouraging civic and academic engagement. Ucoopia positions itself as a bridge between the university world and the field. It emphasizes participatory methods, long-term partnerships, and the circulation of scientific, practical, and traditional knowledge to generate useful, innovative, and reality-based solutions. Key Offerings International cooperation projects : Ucoopia designs, coordinates, and implements development projects with local partners in countries including Benin, Senegal, Guinea, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bolivia, Peru, Cambodia, and Belgium. Research and action research support : The NGO develops participatory action research and collaborative projects that connect researchers, students, and communities to produce practical knowledge and locally adapted solutions. Training and capacity building : Ucoopia offers short modules, professional training, and individualized support to strengthen the skills of students, teachers, organizations, companies, and partner communities. Knowledge sharing and dissemination : It produces and shares seminars, publications, case studies, assessments, methodological guides, reports, and practical fact sheets to help replicate effective approaches. Campus-based civic engagement activities : Ucoopia organizes educational and civic initiatives on university campuses to engage students and teachers on global challenges such as sustainable food, gender equality, social justice, and interculturality. Core Values Environmental and social responsibility : Ucoopia frames its work around protecting natural resources and supporting more sustainable ways of living and producing. Respect and dignity : The organization emphasizes respect for all people and the defense of fundamental rights and human dignity. Solidarity and inclusion : Its approach aims to leave no one behind, with attention to populations made vulnerable by exclusion and inequality. Integrity and transparency : Ucoopia places ethics, transparency, and shared responsibility at the center of its practices. Innovation and mutual learning : It values experimentation, collaboration, and learning from both academic and field-based experience. Unique Aspects Europe’s first inter-university NGO : Ucoopia is presented as the first NGO of its kind in Europe, created through the merger of two university NGOs and later joined by a third university. Backed by three Belgian universities : The organization is supported by ULiège, ULB, and UMONS, giving it a distinctive academic foundation and access to university expertise. Strong field-and-academia model : Ucoopia explicitly combines research, field action, and civic engagement, using participatory methods to connect scientific knowledge with local realities. Wide geographic footprint : Its projects and partnerships span multiple regions in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Belgium, reflecting a broad international cooperation network. Continuing education recognition : The organization notes that its founding entity is recognized in continuing education, reinforcing its role in training and public engagement.