DSP: Yes, DSP believes that Leiden as a university should champion the change. Adding to a culture of sustainability and its practices among the students at Leiden can help shape a better future. As a centre of research, Leiden should model environmentally responsible behaviour. Students and staff alike must be empowered to take part in climate-conscious initiatives. Ultimately, the university’s ability to prepare for the future depends on meaningful action: integrating sustainability across education, operations, and policy to safeguard the wellbeing of both present and future generations. 

LSP: Sustainability is more crucial than ever, and the University is an excellent platform to encourage it. We believe in promoting sustainable choices through awareness and innovation, rather than imposing strict rules. By educating students and providing them with the right tools, we can drive lasting change without restricting personal freedom. 

ONS: Yes, ONS Leiden believes that the university has a leading role in promoting sustainability. By actively incorporating sustainability into education, research, and operations, the university sets an example for society and encourages students and staff to make conscious choices for a more sustainable future. Universities are centers of innovation and social responsibility—embedding sustainability in their core values ensures that future leaders are prepared to address global environmental challenges. 

SC: Leiden University must absolutely actively incorporate sustainability into its policies and even make it a central focus by minimizing waste, recycling, and promoting sustainability externally. As a scientific institution, we know better than anyone that we are living in a climate crisis and that we must do everything we can to fight it and encourage others to do the same. The university itself still has major steps to take in this area. We continue to collaborate extensively with fossil fuel companies and the fossil fuel industry; this must stop immediately. The climate crisis cannot afford yet another lengthy committee process, but requires immediate and decisive action: breaking ties with the fossil fuel industry.  

VSP: We believe the university could engage in sustainability efforts, but do so in a way that fosters debate and critical thinking. The university’s role is not to silently guide students or impose views, but to empower them to think independently. We encourage debate and critical analysis of sustainability policies, and ensure that all voices are heard for students to develop informed opinions and for innovative solutions to be developed. Students are capable of understanding and addressing complex issues, and the university should provide the resources and opportunities for them to do so. 

DSP: Promoting sustainability at Leiden University is a core priority for the DSP as we recognize the importance of contributing to a greener, more enduring future, which can only be achieved by taking action collectively today. As an institution of knowledge and innovation, we call on the University to take action – by cutting ties with the fossil fuel industry, actively supporting sustainability initiatives such as a shared LU marketplace, improved food and waste management, endorsing environmentally friendly alternatives and supporting green infrastructure. The DSP also strongly advocates for the inclusion of sustainability into curricula and scholarships. 

LSP: We support sustainability, but convenience and enjoyment matter too. The best way to promote sustainability is by making it easy and attractive. Think of guest lectures or workshops, so inspire students rather than limit them. 

ONS: Sustainability is a core priority for ONS Leiden. We aim to green the campus, support student-led sustainability initiatives, and increase environmental awareness among students. We advocate for integrating sustainability across curricula to better equip students for future challenges. Furthermore, we support collaboration with local and national partners to implement long-term sustainable practices. Our approach is pragmatic, action-oriented, and driven by students’ ideas and energy. 

SC: Sustainability is an absolute top priority for Students Collective. Leiden University must actively profile itself as a sustainable university and aim to become the most sustainable university in the Netherlands, taking the lead in the transition. It must do so by clearly taking a stand against the fossil fuel industry and ending all collaboration with this sector. Furthermore, there should be more focus on climate issues in education, and the campuses must be designed to be more biodiverse, with a lot more greenery. 

VSP: Sustainability is just one subject among many that demand attention within the university counsel. Topics such as academic freedom, mental health, future perspective, and cultural expression are equally significant. By treating sustainability as part of a larger range of attention seeking subjects, we maintain a balanced focus. No single issue would then overshadow another. 

DSP: The DSP acknowledges the exigent environmental impacts of meat production and believes that words should be matched with actions – a university that stands for sustainability should therefore increase the provision of vegetarian options on the menu that do not contribute to exacerbating climate change, thus decreasing the demand for meat on a wider scale. Additionally, meat alternatives, such as plant-based proteins or fermentation-based products, offer a more affordable option for students and staff members that are suitable for a larger array of dietary preferences. 

LSP: More vegetarian options? Definitely. A completely vegetarian campus? Not necessary. Students should always have the freedom to choose what they eat. A progressive University respects diverse lifestyles, ensuring that all dietary preferences are met without pushing a single approach on anyone. 

ONS: ONS Leiden supports offering a wide variety of sustainable and healthy food options, including vegetarian and vegan meals. However, we believe that individual choice is important. Making all university food outlets fully vegetarian might be perceived as too restrictive. Instead, we advocate for a balanced approach: encouraging sustainable choices through education and incentives, while still respecting personal dietary preferences. Inclusivity and sustainability can go hand-in-hand through smart and flexible policy. 

SC: The university’s restaurants must actively encourage and promote vegetarian and vegan products. These products should be made as attractive as possible to students, both in terms of price and through campaigns and education. The offerings should demonstrate that sustainable food is not only better for the environment but also tasty, affordable, and accessible. At the same time, the restaurants should continue to accommodate students who choose not to eat vegetarian or vegan.  

VSP: Eating vegetarian or vegan is question of personal preference, shaped by medical, cultural, ethical, or dietary preferences. People should have the freedom to decide about their diet without restrictions, which includes offering options that include meat to provide for the existing demand. We lay emphasis on the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs and respecting these differences. By doing so, we promote a culture of inclusivity, understanding, and mutual respect. 

DSP: The DSP’s long-term wellbeing vision is 1 university with 2 cultures: expanding the capacity of the existing mental health facilities at both campuses, by hiring of more psychologists to decrease the waitlists and pay proper attention for problems for students impacted by conflict in the world and problems specific to first generation and international students. The university should also acknowledge the large wellbeing burden that lies on the organizations of student and study associations and expand its wellbeing capacity to alleviate this burden, as well as increase the awareness of mental health facilities among students by including a roadmap at the introduction of each programme. Additionally, Leiden University should bring back CARE as an LU support group for victims of SA to provide a safe space for survivors, while not disregarding preventative measures. 

LSP: Mental health is vital, and students need spaces where they can relax. We suggest creating more student lounges—similar to the one at the KOG—where students can unwind, socialize, and take a break from academic stress. 

ONS: ONS Leiden prioritizes accessible mental health support and student counseling. We advocate for reducing academic pressure through more flexible education policies, better scheduling, and clear communication. Workshops on stress management, healthy lifestyle habits, and peer support groups should be readily available. Furthermore, fostering a sense of community—through student organizations, inclusive events, and open dialogue—plays a key role in improving overall student wellbeing. A supportive environment is essential for academic and personal success. 

SC: Improving students’ mental health has no simple solution but requires an integrated approach. Student wellbeing is not only about individual counseling services but also about addressing structural issues. We demand affordable housing, the abolition of binding study advice, and free, accessible mental healthcare on campus. Education must become humane and inclusive again, instead of being performance- and deadline-driven without consideration for students’ personal situations. 

VSP: The university should improve student wellbeing by fostering resilience and promoting a culture of proactive self-care. This includes providing access to mental health resources, encouraging physical activity, and integrating life skills programs into the curriculum. Moving away from “safe spaces” toward open environments that encourage dialogue and debate helps students build confidence and adaptability. The goal is to empower students to navigate challenges independently while ensuring they have robust support systems and opportunities for personal development. 

DSP: For the DSP, a diverse and inclusive university ensures that all students—regardless of background, identity, or campus; feel welcomed and represented. There should be safe spaces where people can celebrate their cultural identity and enable the university to feel like home. The unique perspectives offered by international students should be actively valued. True inclusion requires a proactive stance against any and all forms of discrimination. Such an environment must support the growth of students facing learning difficulties or other challenges, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Full participation within the university must be made accessible, and existing barriers should be meaningfully reduced. 

LSP: For us, a diverse and inclusive University means giving every student the freedom to pursue their goals and make their own choices—whether in their studies, social life, or personal beliefs. Student associations play a key role in this, offering spaces for different communities, cultures, and interests. The University should actively support a broad range of associations and initiatives, ensuring that every student can find their place and feel at home in our beautiful Leiden. 

ONS: For ONS Leiden, a diverse and inclusive university is one where everyone—regardless of background, gender, sexual orientation, or identity—feels safe, valued, and represented. Diversity should not only be visible but embedded in policy and daily practice. We support inclusive teaching methods, diverse role models, and active efforts to eliminate barriers to participation. Creating an open, respectful, and welcoming environment is essential for innovation, collaboration, and personal growth within the university.

SC: Diversity and inclusion are of great importance to Students Collective. Leiden University is still not a good reflection of society or the broader academic community. The university must actively work to recruit a more diverse staff, with more women, Black people, and people of color. Serious work must also be done on inclusion: a zero-tolerance policy must be implemented against all forms of racism and discrimination. Moreover, many students work for the university and perform the same tasks as regular employees, but are paid less purely because they are students. Students Collective wants to end this immediately. Buildings must also be made more accessible. Currently, escalators are often broken and elevators poorly available, structurally disadvantaging people with disabilities. 

VSP: A diverse and inclusive university values the individuality of each student, supporting them academically and personally. It creates an environment where all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are respected and celebrated. Inclusivity involves removing barriers to participation, providing equal opportunities, and tailoring support to address unique needs. Diversity enriches the academic experience, fostering collaboration and understanding across cultures and ideas. By promoting equity and inclusion, the university ensures everyone feels valued and equipped to succeed in their educational journey.