De Montfort University at Forefront of Global Push for Sustainable Cities

DMU’s Leadership in UN Initiative to Transform Urban Communities

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has been chosen by the United Nations to lead a global network aimed at building better cities and communities. As the chair of the global Academic Impact Hub for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, DMU will guide a team of co-chair universities worldwide to tackle issues such as affordable housing, air pollution, clean water and sanitation, and renewable energy in cities. The UN created 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 to tackle many of the biggest global issues. Each goal comprised several specific targets, totalling 169, covering problems such as equality, poverty, food, health and wellbeing, and renewable energy. The timeframe to achieve these targets was set for 2030.

DMU is the only UK university invited to be a Hub Chair by the UNAI initiative, holding the position from January 2025 to December 2027. The United Nations received 330 applications globally for this role. The university will lead the UNAI SDG 11 Hub as part of a larger network of over 1,700 universities and colleges in more than 150 countries. The university will hold the position of UNAI SDG 11 Hub Chair for a three-year term from January 2025 to December 2027. The UN received 330 applications globally, and the university will lead as part of a network of over 1,700 universities and colleges in more than 150 countries.

Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of the university, expressed it was an honour, emphasizing the university's strong relationship with the UN and its integration of SDG goals into its operations, teaching, and research. She highlighted that SDG 11 aligns with the university's mission of enriching its community, citing DMU's extensive experience with partners in Leicester to improve the city. She looked forward to sharing and expanding this work in the coming years. Maher Nasser, director of the UN’s outreach division, confirmed DMU’s appointment in a letter, stating the university was chosen for its diverse outreach programs that promote social cohesion. He specifically highlighted Project Atefa, a refugee advocacy project led by student volunteers, and the outreach efforts targeting young people during COP 29 as key achievements.

In 2018, DMU was chosen by UNAI as a global hub for SDG 16, focusing on peace, justice, and strong institutions, due to its efforts in building a global network to share ideas and initiatives, initially around the rights of refugees and migrants. Over the years, DMU's work on SDG 16 evolved to include projects addressing modern slavery, democracy deficits, local economic regeneration, and organized crime. This led to the renewal of the university's hub status in 2021.

Dr. Mark Charlton, associate director for sustainable development at DMU, described the move to chair SDG 11 as an exciting opportunity. He noted that DMU's work already aligned with SDG 11 and highlighted the university's integration of SDG goals into teaching, research, and community partnerships. He viewed this as a chance to make a global impact on sustainability and community development. DMU's leadership in the global network for SDG 11 marks a significant step towards building sustainable and resilient cities worldwide. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to addressing critical urban challenges and contributing to global sustainable development.

Editor's Note:

The United Nations has chosen De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) to lead efforts for building better cities and communities worldwide. This important role highlights DMU's great work in bringing people together and improving communities. It's also a big step for working together globally to solve city problems.

Skoobuzz believes that as DMU leads these initiatives, their efforts will make a big difference globally, helping reach the 2030 goals for sustainable development.