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A shared commitment to sustainable development and global engagement has been cemented with the signing of a new partnership between ̨ÍåÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Leicester (DMU) and Western Sydney University in Australia.

Professor Mike Kagioglou, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Business and Innovation, and Professor Adam Possamai, of WSU, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this week detailing how the two institutions plan to collaborate on projects, especially those linked to sustainability.

Western Sydney Australia is ranked number one in the world for the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings, which measures how well universities contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

DMU is the only UK university to be an SDG global impact hub, representing SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Professor Kagioglou said: “Both DMU and Western Sydney University in Australia are committed to fostering a sustainable future. We share values such as social responsibility and the power which education has to create a positive impact on people and the planet.

“This MOU highlights our ongoing commitment to academic excellence and creating innovative, sustainable solutions to the issues which face us today.”

DMU’s dedication to a university-wide sustainability strategy played a key role in forming this partnership. DMU was awarded first-class status in the People and Planet University League in recognition of its environmental and ethical performance, placing seventh out of 151 institutions in the UK.

Its work to embed the SDGs into every course in the university, the work done by its estates team to reduce the carbon footprint of the campus, staff and students, combined with its Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) programme which teaches sustainability essentials to students, played a key role in forming this partnership.

This strategic collaboration will allow WSU to enhance its institutional reputation and expand its global footprint.

WSU has indicated that collaborating with DMU reinforces their commitment to sustainable development and strengthens their global relationships.

WSU also stated that this partnership with DMU further boosts the perception of WSU as a socially responsible and globally connected institution, after it was ranked number one in the world in the 2024 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.