"The formal awarding of the first Healthy Campus labels fills us with gratitude and pride," FISU Acting President Leonz Eder said.

Eighteen institutions honoured achieved the "platinum" certification which represents the highest level.

These included hosts ULB which is the first Belgian university to receive such an award.

The Lausanne University (UNIL Dorigny), the University of Doha for Science and Technology, Peking University, a public research university in Beijing and the People’s Friendship University in Moscow also collected the "platinum label."

"We are extremely appreciative for the valuable partnership universities have provided and we are proud to have convinced many stakeholders of the importance of health being much more than the absence of disease," Eder insisted.

The scheme was launched in 2020 and is designed to encourage universities to promote "health and wellbeing in all its aspects."

Ninety-four universities across the world are registered with the programme.

It features 100 criteria developed by FISU in consultation with a group of international experts. 

It aims to contribute to most of the sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations.

The programme includes such aspects as gender equality, reducing inequality and increasing inclusion, sustainable community development and clean and affordable energy.

It also encourages climate action and responsible consumption and production.