University’s Ethical Practices Lead to Prestigious Fairtrade Recognition

Fairtrade Foundation Awards DMU for Advancing Ethical Consumption in Higher Education

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), widely recognised for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, continues to demonstrate leadership in ethical practices across its academic and operational activities. Offering a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the university has now been honoured with the prestigious Fairtrade University Award, further affirming its dedication to ethical consumption.

This award, jointly presented by the Fairtrade Foundation and Students Organising for Sustainability UK, recognises universities that have shown sustained commitment over two academic years to raising awareness and taking action on trade justice and globalisation. DMU’s achievement reflects its proactive approach to embedding ethical values into campus life and academic discourse.

According to Karl Letten, Sustainability Manager at DMU, the university has worked to align its operations with student concerns surrounding fair trade, ethical consumption, and climate justice. He explained that striving for the Fairtrade University standard allowed DMU to address these interconnected issues in a unified manner. Over the past year, the university collaborated with its catering partner, Chartwells, to expand the availability of Fairtrade products, organised sustainability roadshows, and partnered with academic staff to integrate trade justice themes into teaching and learning.

Letten expressed pride in the university’s recognition, noting that the award validates the collective efforts made across departments and student groups. DMU will retain its Fairtrade University status until 2027, after which it will undergo reassessment to maintain the designation. Sarah Brazier, Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation, emphasised the influential role universities play in advancing the Fairtrade movement. She credited student activism, campus product sales, and advocacy for global workers’ rights as key drivers of progress in trade justice, highlighting DMU’s contribution as exemplary. DMU’s Fairtrade University Award underscores its ongoing commitment to ethical leadership and sustainability in higher education.

Editor’s Note:

De Montfort University Leicester's designation as a Fairtrade University represents a significant achievement, underscoring the institution's profound dedication to ethical governance and environmental stewardship. In an epoch defined by global exigencies necessitating conscientious engagement, this accolade transcends mere symbolism; it corroborates the university's proactive stance in cultivating a more equitable and just future. Ethical leadership is increasingly vital in higher education, working as a guiding principle for institutional operations and as a core value to be instilled in students. DMU’s efforts to embed trade justice, fair consumption, and climate awareness into its curriculum and campus life demonstrate how universities can serve as catalysts for change. By integrating these themes into academic programmes, student initiatives, and operational partnerships, DMU is equipping future leaders with the knowledge and values needed to make informed, responsible decisions in their professional and civic lives.

Skoobuzz believes that this achievement stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and advocacy in advancing global fairness and sustainability.