Mapping Civic Activity to UN Goals Earns Leicester University's Global Recognition

The 'Universities Partnership Sustainability Award,' presented by UNU-IAS, was jointly conferred upon De Montfort University, Leicester, Loughborough University, and the University of Leicester. This recognition was granted for their collaborative efforts under the sustainability partnership of Leicester University.

This was part of the UK university sustainability award 2025, listing local universities as contributors to something global in nature. Worse, the impact analysis was about how the universities' sustainable partnership would ‘translate’ into the local community in terms of civic engagement in relation to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, which address issues such as poverty, equality, or renewable energy.

Mapping Civic Activity to Global Goals

The project was led by Amira Kofi-Dhere from the Universities Partnership team, who highlighted that the impetus for the project was to understand the extent of civic activity across Leicester and Leicestershire. Although universities were engaging in sustainability work, no clear framework was available for measuring their combined impact.

Through the engagement of Amira using a sustainability mapping tool for university civic activity, strategies, THE Impact Ranking submissions, delivery plans, and civic initiatives were analysed by her and aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for strengths, gaps, and collaborative opportunities. Accordingly, a toolkit was developed incorporating a blank mapping spreadsheet and guidance materials, which will be circulated among other universities and civic organisations across the UK. This allows others to partner with UK universities in sustainability projects and replicate the model.

Voices from the Partnership

Amira reflected that working on the project changed her view on the role of universities in communities, noting that pulling together the evidence revealed examples of real people making a difference, and she felt proud to be part of a partnership valuing its impact.

The Academic Lead for Education for Sustainable Development from DMU, and Chair of RCE East Midlands, Andrew Reeves, noted the award was recognition of Amira's commitment and the robustness of the East Midlands university sustainability collaboration UK. He says the project delivered a clearer picture of how civic activity is contributing to the local sustainability goal and the global sustainability goal. In regional implications

This regional university's sustainability initiative UK, demonstrates how UK universities collaborate for the global sustainability goals, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in sustainability in the academic institution. It also showcases the practice of implementing higher education sustainable development goals while providing an overview of the 2025 above-mentioned sustainability award for UK university partnership and its impact.

The De Montfort University sustainability project and wider collaboration across the Leicester universities highlight what the Universities Partnership Award means for sustainability across the East Midlands. It gives a model for other institutions to invest in university-led sustainability and civic engagement initiatives, partner with UK higher education institutions for sustainability mapping, and support sustainable development projects across UK universities.

Editor’s Note:

The recent award recognises the profound impact of local partnerships in driving global progress. It was bestowed upon De Montfort University, Leicester, Loughborough University, and the University of Leicester for their collaborative success in sustainability initiatives. This joint recognition highlights how civic engagement, when combined with academic commitment, can effectively address the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically concerning poverty, equality, and renewable energy. The project led by Amira Kofi-Dhere focused on civic activity across Leicester and Leicestershire to analyse strengths, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration by means of a transparent framework and produced a toolkit for universities and civic organisations. A project-based approach shows that UK universities can work for global sustainability goals and assist higher education in realising its actual impact on the community. Recognition of Amira's work from the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability is a celebration for the Greater East Midlands University Sustainability Collaboration UK. It means that universities can engage deeply in positioning both the local and global futures. 

Skoobuzz mentions that the award would set a precedent for others, thus channelling more funding into university sustainability efforts while reaffirming the civic duty of higher educational institutions.

FAQs

1.Which UK universities recently won awards for sustainability projects?

In 2025, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), Loughborough University, and the University of Leicester won a UK university sustainability award. Their joint project, known as the Universities Partnership, was recognised by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability for advancing global sustainability goals.

2.How can universities measure their impact on sustainability and civic engagement?

Universities can measure their impact by using sustainability mapping tools. These tools align strategies, civic initiatives, and delivery plans with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By analysing strengths, gaps, and opportunities, universities can track how their civic engagement supports both local communities and global sustainability aims.

3.What is the role of university partnerships in advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals?

University partnerships play a key role by combining resources, expertise, and civic activity. Working together allows institutions to address challenges such as poverty, equality, and renewable energy more effectively. Partnerships also provide frameworks for collaboration, ensuring that higher education contributes meaningfully to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

4.Why did the Universities Partnership win a sustainability award in 2025?

The Universities Partnership sustainability award 2025 was given because the project mapped civic activity across Leicester and Leicestershire, showing how universities contribute to sustainability. The study created a toolkit that other institutions can use, making it a model for regional universities' sustainability initiatives in the UK.

5.How do UK universities contribute to community sustainability initiatives?

UK universities contribute through research, civic engagement, and local projects. They support renewable energy, equality programmes, and community development. By aligning their strategies with the UN SDGs, universities help improve local sustainability while also advancing global goals.