Ucoopia
After many years of close collaboration, it’s now official: in January 2026, Eclosio and ULB-Coopération will join forces to create Ucoopia, Europe’s very first inter-university NGO.
With the support of our parent universities, ULiège and ULB, joined by the University of Mons, our ambition is clear: to respond better to global challenges through more effective, more agile action that is even more firmly rooted in academic expertise.
“In the current context of significant pressure on public resources devoted to cooperation, the union of our two NGOs, which share a common vision and a university DNA, will bring real added value to our projects.”
Patrick Wautelet, Professor of Law at ULiège and President of Eclosio
Building bridges between knowledge
Ucoopia has set itself an ambitious mission: to bring knowledge together to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Following on from the work carried out by ULB-Coopération and Eclosio, it will bring together academic communities, local populations and public authorities around innovative, sustainable projects that meet local needs. Its academic roots will be at the heart of its identity: involvement in research and development projects, practical valorization of university research, on-campus civic education initiatives, partnerships with universities in the North and South, etc.
“Ucoopia opens a new chapter in the history of NGOs. It’s an unprecedented association, unique in Europe, which illustrates the strength and dynamism of academic cooperation within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, and paves the way for tomorrow’s cooperation.”
Serge Jaumain, Advisor to the Rector of ULB for Cooperation and President of ULB-Coopération
Expanding our areas and themes of action
The merger will open up new opportunities for collaboration. Ucoopia will be present in 9 countries on 4 continents:
Thanks to the combined expertise of our NGOs and Universities, we will work hand in hand to:
Give everyone access to quality healthcare
Encourage food production methods that respect the environment and generate income for families
Give young people the means to build a decent professional future, through employment or entrepreneurship
Support student communities in global citizenship and solidarity initiatives
A smooth transition
Between now and January 2026, both NGOs will continue with their current activities and commitments. No immediate changes are planned for their teams, partners or current projects. This transition period will ensure a smooth integration, serving a unified, agile and stronger structure.
“Ucoopia opens up new perspectives: those of an even more efficient, even more committed and even more innovative university NGO! For the time being, nothing is changing within the two organizations that are to merge. Ongoing projects continue with the same commitment to our beneficiaries and local partners.”
Julie Simon, Deputy Director and future Director of Ucoopia
Looking to the future
Ucoopia marks the opening of a new chapter in French-speaking university solidarity. A chapter driven by the conviction that together, by pooling knowledge, experience and resources, we can build fairer, more effective and more sustainable responses to global challenges.