As world leaders, government representatives and climate experts prepare to gather in Antalya, Türkiye, for COP31, De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU) is bringing the global conversation closer to home.
COP, which stands for Conference of the Parties, is the United Nations’ (UN) biggest annual global gathering, aiming to foster policy agreements to tackle the biggest environmental challenges of our time.
To coincide with the event, which takes place from 9 to 20 November, DMU is hosting its own programme of events, bringing students, staff and local communities together to explore how they can help build greener, more inclusive and resilient cities.
DMU is the only UK university to host a United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) hub dedicated to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11): Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through research, student-led initiatives and partnerships in Leicester and beyond, the hub supports work to create more inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities.
Andrea Casey, DMU’s SDG Hub Manager, said: “COP31 is a chance for us to bring people together and connect the activity taking place in Turkey with the fantastic work happening here in Leicester.
“With more than 25 events planned, there's something for everyone, whether you're already involved in sustainability activity at DMU through our SDG Hub and SDG Fellows networks or joining us for the first time.
“The programme provides an opportunity to get involved, share ideas and celebrate the sustainability activity taking place across DMU, Leicester and our international partnerships.”
DMU’s COP31 programme gives the university and wider community opportunities to engage with sustainability and explore how they can make a difference. Highlights include:
- River Clean-up: a student-led event where volunteers will take practical action to improve local waterways, remove litter and protect the natural environment.
- Sustainability and Policy: Making an Impact on Practice: exploring how research can inform policy and influence real-world decision-making. Students who attend will have the chance to win a funded trip to the United Nations in Geneva.
- Green Networking: a student-focused event giving students the opportunity to have their say.
- Sustainability Courtroom: another chance for students to make their voices heard.
- National Emergency Briefings: open to staff, students and community members, examining how individuals and communities can prepare for future challenges.
- Football for the Goals: exploring how sport can support sustainable development.
- Further activities: focusing on artificial intelligence, greener careers and community-led environmental action.
- Project Atefa Showcase and SDG Awards Night (20 November): closing the programme by celebrating the individuals and projects driving positive change through the Sustainable Development Goals. Staff and students are encouraged to submit nominations for the awards, recognising those whose contributions are helping to create a more sustainable future.
DMU’s work with Leicester communities will be another key focus, particularly through LEAF (Leicester Environmental Action and Future), a £1.3 million climate action project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Working with five local community organisations, the three-year initiative aims to help people reduce carbon emissions, improve wellbeing and influence climate policy. The project will also provide carbon literacy training for more than 150 staff and volunteers and engage at least 1,500 Leicester residents in sustainability activities.
The programme builds on DMU’s established commitment to sustainability. In September, the university was named runner-up for the world’s best sustainability institution at the Green Gown Awards, recognising its continued work to drive environmental and social impact.
Find out more about DMU’s COP31 programme and how to get involved.
Anyone interested in becoming a Staff or Student Fellow can sign up by emailing dmusdg@dmu.ac.uk.
Posted on Wednesday 4 November 2026