COP 31 at DMU

Launch of the SDG Hub adoption of towpath. Litter picking across the river and campus. Dress accordingly as it could get a bit messy.

When and where: 11am-12:30pm, Food Village

How to get involved: Tickets for the Big River Clean-up

How can sustainability research influence real-world decision making? What role should businesses, policymakers and universities play in addressing environmental challenges? Join De Montfort University's annual Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture Policy Event for an engaging discussion on the relationship between sustainability, policy and practice. The event will feature a keynote address from Professor Luisa Orsini (University of Birmingham), followed by an expert panel bringing together voices from academia, Parliament and industry. This is an opportunity to:

• Gain insights into current sustainability policy challenges.
• Learn how evidence informs policy and practice.
• Explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
• Network with fellow professionals from business, government and higher education.

When and where: 4:30pm-6:30pm, fourth floor lecture theatre, Vijay Patel Building

How to get involved: Tickets for Sustainability and Sustainability: Making an Impact on Practice

How can we build careers that make a difference and help shape a more sustainable future?

Join De Montfort University (DMU) for an inspiring panel discussion featuring our amazing alumni who are making an impact in sustainability across a range of sectors.

From sustainable business and financial services to the built environment and energy, our alumni panellists will share their career journeys, discuss the impactful projects they’re leading within their organisations, and explore how different industries are responding to the climate challenge.

Meet our panellists:

Prabs Johal – Head of Regional Delivery at Connected Places Catapult, bringing expertise in regional innovation, sustainable transport and infrastructure, with a focus on collaboration, emerging technologies and driving sustainable economic growth.

Manish Vara – Co-founder & Chief Business Operations Officer at ekko, a mission-led fintech helping payments companies and merchants build sustainability into their products, giving consumers a simple way to understand and contribute to climate and nature action, and giving partners a new lever for engagement and loyalty.

Bethan Taylor – Global Sustainability Director at Checkpoint Apparel Labelling Solutions & Checkpoint Systems and Co-chair of the Sustainability Community at RAIN Alliance, bringing expertise in sustainable global manufacturing,  supply chains and circularity within fashion, retail and technology.

Robert Gofton – Chief Executive Officer at the Nuclear Institute, bringing leadership insight into the role of nuclear energy in achieving net zero, the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition, and the skills needed to build a sustainable energy future.

Sharon Bacha – Director of Estates, Projects & Sustainability at Imperial War Museums, bringing experience in embedding sustainability into organisational strategy and balancing environmental responsibilities with the practical challenges of maintaining historic buildings and operations.

What can you expect?

• Hear first-hand about our alumni panellists’ career journeys and the opportunities that led them to where they are today.
• Discover the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to pursue a career in sustainability.
• Explore how different sectors are tackling the climate challenge and delivering meaningful change.
• Gain inspiration and practical insights from DMU alumni leading sustainability initiatives in their fields.

This is an opportunity to learn from our alumni community and discover how you could contribute to a more sustainable future.

When and where: 1pm-2pm, online (MS Teams)

How to get involved: Tickets for Careers and Leadership for a Sustainable Future

How can sustainable development research move beyond academic publication and contribute to meaningful policy change? Research funders, universities and international organizations increasingly expect research to generate societal, economic and political impact. Yet communicating complex findings to policymakers requires a different approach from writing academic articles or reports.

Designed for academics, researchers and sustainable development practitioners worldwide, this practical 60-minute online session will explore how to translate research evidence into a clear, persuasive and accessible policy brief focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Hosted by De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, in its role as the United Nations Academic Impact Hub Chair for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the session will be led by Professor Mark Charlton, with contributions from representatives of other UN Academic Impact SDG Hub Chairs.

When and where: 2pm-3:30pm, online

How to get involved: TBC

Led by a Student SDG Fellow, this networking event brings together DMU students and sustainability focused organisations from across Leicester. Students will have the chance to build professional connections, showcase their skills and projects, and explore placement, volunteering and employment opportunities, while learning more about sustainability careers and initiatives.

When and where: 4pm-7:30pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Tickets for Green Networking

Come along and develop your green fingers at DMU’s own allotment. Take part in planting activities to grow some winter vegetables. This event is open to all staff and students.

When and where: 1:45pm-3:30pm, allotment behind Queens Building

How to get involved: Tickets for Get your Green Fingers

The National Emergency Briefing is a public information initiative working to ensure the UK is clearly and honestly briefed on the scale and implications of the climate and nature crisis. This event will show the People's Emergency Briefing (a 50 minute film) followed by a facilitated discussion. The whole session will last about 2 hours.

When and where: 5pm-7:30pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Register for the Community National Emergency Briefing

A Fascillitated discussion on the impact caused by AI on sustainability. Led by Hazel Kerr a specialist in the area. Join to learn about the environmental impact and share you ropinions on the use of AI.

When and where: 11am-12pm, Heritage House, room 2.28

How to get involved: Tickets for Sustainability and AI

A free sustainability campus tour open to staff and students. The 45-minute tour will aim to highlight some of the hidden or overlooked initiatives on campus addressing sustainability and reducing the university’s carbon footprint. The tours will include information about the renewable energy technologies on campus, sustainable food projects, greener travel, and facts about the sustainable construction used in our buildings.

When and where: 1:30pm-2:30pm, starting at the SDG Hub

How to get involved: Tickets for Sustainability and AI

Join us for this unique event created by one of our student fellows. A 2 hour courtroom style debate where participants will get the opportuntity to discuss their opinions on specfic issues surrounding climate change.

When and where: 11am-1pm, DMU's crown court room

How to get involved: Tickets for The Sustainability Courtroom

The National Emergency Briefing is a public information initiative working to ensure the UK is clearly and honestly briefed on the scale and implications of the climate and nature crisis. This event will show the People's Emergency Briefing (a 50 minute film) followed by a facilitated discussion. The whole session will last about 2 hours.

When and where: 2pm-4:30pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Register for the Student National Emergency Briefing

Join us to find out about all things LEAF. You'll get the chance to hear from, and talk to our partners,including One Roof and Saffron Acres, as well as take part in various sustainability activities.

When and where: 1pm-3pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Tickets for LEAF: Sustainability in the Community

Join us to find out about all things LEAF. You'll get the chance to hear from, and talk to our partners, including One Roof and Saffron Acres, as well as take part in various sustainability activities.

When and where: TBC, floor 4 Vijay Patel Building

How to get involved: TBC

Students are invited to a FREE special movie night featuring The Lorax, the animated film inspired by Dr. Seuss’s timeless story about protecting the planet. This thought-provoking film explores key themes such as consumerism, responsibility, and the importance of protecting nature – the perfect watch in line with this year’s COP 31. Come along for an evening out with friends. Refreshments will be provided.

When and where: 5pm-7pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Tickets for Student Movie evening: The Lorax

Join a webinar focusing on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, part of the SDGs and You - Making Connections for Progress series hosted by the Office of Global Affairs and the International School for Development Justice at the University of the West Indies, the United Nations Academic Impact Hub Chair for Climate Action SDG 13. The event aims to:

• demonstrate how the SDGs affect people from all walks of life;
• explore practical solutions and challenges;
• showcase work being undertaken by universities and other organisations; and
• engage students, professionals and communities in the SDGs.

The webinar is open to students, industry leaders and community members, with an opportunity for questions and discussion.

When and where: 12pm-1pm, online

How to get involved: TBC

How do faith and sustainability link? Join us for a talk with the DMU Imam, Imam Mohammed Laher and The Sustainability team. Explore the connection between the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and Islamic values such as supporting, avoiding waste and building a strong sense of community across diverse backgrounds. Participate in fun activities such as seed sowing, pot painting and a range of board games! There will also be refreshments provided. All students are welcome.

When and where: 1pm-1:45pm, Breathing Space (Portland)

How to get involved: Tickets for Faith and Sustainability

Join our SDG Capacity Development Sessions to learn how to connect global business issues to global solutions using a reflective, responsible management approach.

From Global Issues to Global Solutions: Become a Global SDG Changemaker Our SDG Capacity-Development Sessions enables you explore how you can turn your knowledge, interests and ideas into solutions for global challenges.

Whatever your discipline, the session will help you identify and harness your potential, strengthen your academic and responsible-management thinking, prepare for Faculty SDG competitions, and take your next step towards becoming a global SDG changemaker.

When and where: 11am-1pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Tickets for SDG Capacity Building Session

Building on the success of DMU’s Football for the Goals pilot programme, which brought together grassroots football organisations from across the world as part of a United Nations initiative, this online event will explore how football can continue to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaboration, learning and partnership working.

Hosted by DMU, home of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 11 Hub, the session will explore how the momentum generated through the pilot programme can be built upon through greater collaboration, knowledge sharing and partnership working across the global football community.

During the discussion, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Learn more about the impact and legacy of the Football for the Goals pilot programme.
• Explore how football organisations are supporting the Sustainable Development Goals in areas such as inclusion, education, health, gender equality and climate action.
• Hear ideas for future network activity, including themed events, collaborative projects and opportunities to share good practice.
• Discuss how organisations, universities and students can work together to support positive social impact through football.
• Connect with others interested in using sport as a tool for sustainable development.

The session will be informal and interactive, providing space for attendees to share experiences, exchange ideas and help shape future opportunities for collaboration.

Whether you were involved in the pilot programme, represent an organisation, work in sport, are a student or researcher, or simply have an interest in the intersection of football, sustainability and social impact, we would be delighted to welcome you.

When and where: 2pm, online (Microsoft Teams)

How to get involved: To register your interest, please email dmusdg@dmu.ac.uk. Joining instructions will be shared with registered participants ahead of the event.

An inspiring and creative event where students come together to turn waste into art is being staged by CUTTLE and the SDG HubUsing recycled materials, students will collaborate to craft a large-scale artwork that celebrates sustainability and creativity. The finished piece will be proudly displayed on campus, showcasing DMU’s commitment to sustainability through creative expression.

When and where: 3pm-5pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Tickets for Trash to Art

Join us for our Project Atefa showcase. Where you'll find out about how you can get invloved and help support refugees and asylum seekers, locally and gloablly. Hear from stdeunts about their experinces of volunteering on the project and what Project Atefa means to them.

When and where: 12pm-1pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Tickets for Project Atefa Showcase

Join us for the SDG Awards Night as we celebrate the inspiring students, staff and community members making a difference towards a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable world. An evening recognising the people and projects bringing the UN Sustainable Development Goals to life!

When and where: 5pm-8pm, SDG Hub

Our next climate change simulation event in the SDG Hub, Heritage House. Join as either an individual or a team, and take part in this fun and informative event, delivered by our SDG Fellow Michelle Ngom in collaboration with the Masters in Public Health programme.

When and where: 10am-4pm, SDG Hub

How to get involved: Sign up for SDG Simulation Event

When and where: 1pm - 7pm, DMU London Campus

Sign up by emailing dmusdg@dmu.ac.uk