admin De Montfort University (DMU) has been chosen to lead a global team of Empowering Sustainable Cities universities in tackling important city issues such as affordable housing, air pollution, clean water, sanitation, and renewable energy.
It is the only university in the UK to be selected as a Hub Chair by the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) initiative. This means DMU will guide the work on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe, and sustainable .
Professor Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, expressed her pride in this achievement. She said, We have worked closely with the UN for many years, making sure the SDGs are a key part of our teaching, research, and the way we run the university. SDG 11 is at the heart of what universities should do—helping and improving their communities. We are excited to share our experience and continue making a positive impact.
DMU will lead the SDG 11 Hub from January 2025 to Sustainable Cities December 2027. It was selected from 330 universities worldwide that applied for this role. The UNAI network includes over 1,700 universities from more than 150 countries.
In a letter confirming DMU’s appointment, Sustainable Cities Maher Nasser, director of the UN’s outreach division, praised the university’s work in promoting social cohesion. He highlighted projects like Project Atefa, which gives a voice to refugees, and DMU’s outreach efforts during COP 29, a major global climate conference.
The UN created the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 to tackle global challenges such as poverty, inequality, health, and renewable energy. The aim is to achieve these goals by 2030.
This isn’t DMU’s first time leading UN work. In 2018, the university was chosen as a global hub for SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Since then, DMU has worked on projects addressing modern slavery, democracy,Empowering Sustainable Cities local economic growth, and organized crime. In 2021, its hub status was renewed.
What is SDG 11 and Why Empowering Sustainable Cities?
Let’s break it down. SDG 11 is one of the 17 global goals set by the United Nations. These goals are a blueprint for a better future for everyone. SDG 11 focuses specifically on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Why is this so important? Well, more Empowering Sustainable Cities and more people are moving to cities. This puts a lot of pressure on our resources and infrastructure. We see problems like:
Overcrowding: Too many people in too little space.
Pollution: Dirty air and water harming our health.
Lack of Housing: Many people without safe and affordable homes.
Inequality: Some people have much better lives than others.
Climate Change: Cities are vulnerable to floods, heatwaves, and other disasters.
SDG 11 is about finding solutions to these problems. It’s about creating cities where everyone can thrive, where we protect the planet, and where we build strong communities that can bounce back from challenges.
DMU: A Hub for Change
DMU is not just talking about SDG 11. They are taking action. Empowering Sustainable Cities They have become a key hub for the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) focusing on this important goal. This means they are a central point for research, education, and collaboration on sustainable urban development.
What does this mean in simple terms? DMU is:
Doing Research: Empowering Sustainable Cities They are studying how cities can become more sustainable. They are looking at things like how to build greener buildings, how to improve public transport, and how to reduce waste.
Teaching Students: Empowering Sustainable Cities They are educating the next generation of leaders who will build sustainable cities. They are teaching students about urban planning, environmental science, and social justice.
Working with Others: Sustainable Cities They are collaborating with other universities, governments, and organizations around the world. They are sharing knowledge and best practices.
Helping Communities: They are working with local communities to make their cities more sustainable. They are helping to improve housing, create green spaces, and promote social inclusion
DMU’s work on SDG 11 is focused on several key areas:
Tackling Urban Inequities:
Cities are often places where inequality is very visible. Some people have access to good housing, education, and jobs, while others struggle to meet basic needs.
DMU is working to address these inequities by promoting inclusive urban planning. This means making sure that everyone has a voice in how their city is developed.
They are also working to improve access to affordable housing, education, and healthcare for marginalized communities.
Powering Global Community Resilience:
Cities are vulnerable to a range of challenges, including climate change, natural disasters, and pandemics.
DMU is helping to build community resilience by promoting sustainable infrastructure and disaster preparedness.
They are also working to strengthen social networks and support community-led initiatives. This helps communities to bounce back from challenges and build a stronger future.
Promoting Sustainable Infrastructure:
Sustainable infrastructure is essential for creating livable and resilient cities. This includes things like clean energy, efficient transportation, and green buildings.
DMU is researching and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure. Empowering Sustainable CitiesThey are also working to educate policymakers and urban planners about the importance of sustainable infrastructure.
They are also working on ways to reduce waste and promote a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled.
Fostering Inclusive and Participatory Governance:
For cities to be truly sustainable, everyone needs to have a say in how they are run.
DMU is promoting inclusive and participatory governance by working with local communities and governments to develop urban plans that reflect the needs of all residents.
They are also working to empower citizens to participate in decision-making processes Empowering Sustainable Cities.
good!
good!
wonderful!
super!