DMU to Develop Global Solutions with UN Support for Sustainability Education

De Montfort University Awarded UN PRME Grant for Transformative Teaching Initiative

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) was recently acknowledged as one of only four UK universities to receive funding from the United Nations' PRME Seed Fund. This recognition highlights the university's focus on transformative education and its dedication to addressing pressing global challenges. The funding is expected to enable students to collaborate with researchers in the creation of innovative resources that aim to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was stated that these initiatives would foster creativity and engagement, thus contributing significantly to tackling critical global issues.

Dr. Susanna Chui, from DMU's Faculty of Business and Law, reportedly identified migration and displacement as key global challenges. She emphasised the importance of co-developing practical solutions with students to support community integration. As the Hub Chair for SDG 11, DMU viewed the project as closely aligned with its mission to promote social justice and community support. It was noted that through direct engagement with affected communities, students could gain valuable insights and develop essential leadership skills.

Reports suggested that the programme would equip participants with skills and experiences to become social changemakers by applying systems and design thinking to address SDG-related challenges. Students from across the Midlands were expected to collaborate with stakeholders through workshops, developing outputs such as policy proposals, business concepts, educational resources, or digital tools. Furthermore, the project would reportedly result in two "playbooks": one aimed at understanding the challenges faced by refugees and displaced migrants, such as access to job training, and another focused on proposing practical, innovative solutions like mentoring programmes.

The initiative would involve collaboration between Dr. Chui and other experts, including Dr. Mark Charlton, Associate Director of the SDG Hub, Dr. Mujeeb Rehman, an AI researcher from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media, and Maggie Woo, a PhD candidate and design-thinking expert. The project, set to run throughout 2025, would reportedly bring together student leaders, community groups, and industry mentors to create practical solutions. Additionally, it was noted that the initiative would examine how involvement in social change projects could help young people develop leadership skills and confidence.

Reports also indicated that DMU is a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), an initiative that integrates sustainability into business education and encourages responsible decision-making. This year, the PRME Seed Fund competition received 36 entries, intending to support educators in adopting transformative teaching methods that promote sustainability, ethics, and leadership. The PRME Seed Fund's recognition of DMU highlights its commitment to fostering meaningful solutions to global challenges while equipping students with the skills to become future leaders.

Editor’s Note:

De Montfort University’s recognition by the United Nations PRME Seed Fund is a significant milestone that underscores its ongoing commitment to socially responsible education. At a time when global issues like migration, displacement, and sustainability demand practical, values-driven solutions, DMU's approach to involving students in real-world problem solving is both timely and commendable. The initiative supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and offers students a hands-on opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. By incorporating design thinking and collaborative workshops into its curriculum, DMU is helping to shape students into thoughtful leaders and changemakers. The university’s strong emphasis on social justice and community support, along with its leadership in SDG 11, sets a valuable example for the higher education sector.

Skoobuzz believes that this project serves as a reminder of the vital role universities play in equipping students to tackle complex global challenges through innovation, empathy, and responsible leadership.