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As a university we are proud to have been ranked 7th in the People & Planet University League Table, a remarkable recognition of the efforts we’ve made to champion sustainability. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and community to create meaningful change. 

As many of you know, the COP29 climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, recently concluded. While global leaders debated critical solutions to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, we marked the occasion with our own two-week COP29 activities at ÐßÐßÊÓƵ. These events showcased how local action aligns with global goals, emphasising the role each of us can play in creating a better future. 

One highlight was the River Soar clean-up, where over 20 students worked with Leicester City Council and the Canal and River Trust to clear waste from the riverbanks. Among the items collected were shopping trolleys, a bicycle, car keys, and even a grandfather clock! This inspiring effort reflects the power of collective action and how local initiatives can have a lasting impact. 

At the COP29 launch, I announced two exciting initiatives. The first, "29 Ideas for COP29," invited staff and students to share ideas for improving sustainability on campus, with the best suggestions to be implemented by our sustainability team.  

The second was the official launch of our SDG Hub Fellows programme, which brings together 100 researchers, PhD students, and staff to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This programme supports impactful projects, such as addressing unsustainable fashion practices and helping vulnerable refugees, and builds a strong community dedicated to positive change. 

ÐßÐßÊÓƵ is the only higher education institution in Britain to be a global hub for one of the UN SDGs – SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. This reflects our commitment to fairness, human rights, and building stronger, more inclusive communities. 

Although COP29 has ended, the work continues. Whether through research, teaching, or local action, our university remains at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability. As we celebrate our successes, let’s keep asking: What more can we do? Every idea, every action counts. 

The United Nations Academic Impact Hub for SDG 16 also runs ÐßÐßÊÓƵ’s Campus Collective for Sustainability. This is an opportunity for students to work with staff across the university to explore common interests, share ideas, and act on issues that matter most to you. 

Campus Collectives lets students, like you, take part as equals with staff, pursuing the same goals for the SDGs. This includes joining discussions, attending events, sharing your ideas, or developing projects – it's all up to you.  

To join the Campus Collective email dmusdg16@dmu.ac.uk – to become a please fill out the following form:  

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can make a real difference—on campus, in our city, and across the world.