By signing the charter, the University of Stuttgart officially commits to systematically embedding health and sustainability in all areas of teaching, research, administration, and campus life.
The Okanagan Charter was first developed in 2015 during the 7th International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges in Canada, and further refined in 2025 at the follow-up conference held at the University of Limerick. It formulates two key demands:
- Embedding health and well-being as core values in all areas of the university
- Promoting health at the local and global levels.
By signing the charter, the University of Stuttgart joins a growing international network of universities that are committed to this call. In Germany, it is the seventh university to join this network, which is committed to developing healthy study and working conditions.
Mental health first aid: First aid for mental health problems
For example, the University of Stuttgart is establishing the concept of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) based on occupational health management. MHFA aims to empower everyone to provide first aid for mental health problems. More than 200 employees have now been trained, and a university-wide network of mental health first responders is being established.
The Chancellor emphasizes: "Resilience has been a buzzword in the media for several years now. To be resilient, people must above all be physically and mentally healthy. As an employer, the University of Stuttgart places great emphasis on a comprehensive, well-integrated, and strongly interconnected occupational health management system. We take particular pride in the University's multiple recognitions with the prestigious Corporate Health Award."
Establishing student health management
"The signing of the Okanagan Charter marks a milestone for us in advancing health promotion and sustainability at our university. Our next step is to establish a student health management system and seamlessly integrate it with the existing occupational health management framework. By signing the Charter, we are laying the foundation for a holistic approach to health at the University,” say Pauline Vogel and Marion Specht, the leadership duo overseeing health management.
| Contact | Pauline Vogel and Marion Specht, University of Stuttgart, Corporate Health Management (BGM), Phone: +49 711 685-81159, e-mail |
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