Driving Sustainable Development Through Partnership

The Universities Partnership is proud to be part of a global movement to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, De Montfort University, the University of Leicester, Loughborough University, and our civic partners are combining knowledge, creativity, and innovation to deliver projects that make a real difference across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

Our collective work builds on the individual strengths of each partner. For example, De Montfort University is the UN’s recognised Global Hub for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – leading universities worldwide on this goal. This global recognition shows how deeply embedded the SDGs are in our universities’ missions, and how, together, we translate this ambition into real civic impact.

From education to climate action, from inclusive growth to cultural engagement, the UP’s projects demonstrate how higher education can drive positive change for our communities and contribute to the global goals.

Our Contribution to the SDGs

Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3)

  • Let’s Get Moving – Reducing inequalities in physical activity and supporting healthier lifestyles in underserved communities.
  • LIAS Civic Research Calls – Driving interdisciplinary health and wellbeing research in partnership with communities.

Quality Education (SDG 4)

  • Evolve: Your Skills for Success – Raising attainment and aspirations for Key Stage 3 learners through confidence-building, self-regulation, and metacognition.
  • Open Libraries for You – Opening university libraries to the public, promoting lifelong learning and access to knowledge for all.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

  • Graduate Retention Campaign – Connecting graduates to local opportunities and strengthening the regional workforce.
  • Rutland Innovation Business Support (RIBS) – Empowering local SMEs with innovation, expertise, and tailored support.
  • VentureVersity – Turning academic ideas into business reality through entrepreneurial training and collaboration.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

  • Open Libraries for You – Enhancing communities by creating accessible cultural and learning spaces.
  • Collaboratory Research Hub – Bringing together researchers, communities, and civic partners to co-create solutions for local challenges.

Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)

  • Social Value Portal – Harnessing university procurement power to support SMEs, create jobs, and embed sustainability in supply chains.
  • Greener Future Leicestershire – Helping businesses grow and thrive while adopting sustainable practices.

Climate Action (SDG 13)

  • Leicester Collaborate to Accelerate Net Zero (LCAN) – A whole-system model for decarbonisation, uniting partners to deliver net zero.
  • Greener Future Leicestershire – Supporting communities and organisations to build resilience in the green economy.
  • Student Climate Ready Action Guide – Empowering students with practical steps to support the city’s climate goals.

Partnership in Action (SDG 17)

At the heart of every project is collaboration. The Universities Partnership shows what is possible when universities, civic institutions, and communities work side by side. By aligning our unique strengths, we are creating a joined-up civic approach that accelerates progress towards the SDGs and ensures that local people benefit from global goals.

Together, we are proving that sustainable development is not just an aspiration – it’s a reality being built in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

This SDG Mapping Project itself is a testament to the Partnership’s commitment to transparency and impact. Emerging from the Environmental Sustainability Theme Group, the project set out to map all UP initiatives against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, drawing together project data, publicly available information, and international benchmarks to build a clear picture of our collective contribution. The result is a comprehensive civic data resource – a report and mapping framework that highlights where our activities make the strongest difference, demonstrates the value of partnership working, and provides a foundation for future evaluation. By aligning local action with global goals, the project shows how the Universities Partnership is helping to lead sustainable development both regionally and nationally.

Sustainable Development Goals and the Universities Partnership reportDownload