Global Change Starts Locally

Global change starts locally- It might sound like a bold statement, but it’s one that sits at the heart of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It’s also why De Montfort University is proud to be the only university in the UK, and one of just 17 universities worldwide, selected by the UN to lead a Global Academic Impact Hub. Appointed in 2025 for a three-year term, DMU champions Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

SDG 11 focuses on creating cities and communities where everyone can thrive. It aims to improve access to housing, transport and public spaces, protect cultural and natural heritage, reduce environmental impact and support communities to adapt to challenges such as climate change.

Through the SDG Impact Hub, De Montfort University helps connect global ambitions with local action. By bringing together research, education and partnerships, the SDG Impact Hub supports organisations and communities to share knowledge, develop solutions and work towards a more sustainable future.

One example of this work is the LEAF project (Leicestershire Environmental Action and Future), an exciting new climate action project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Over three years, DMU is working with five local organisations:

• Saffron Acres
• ZamZam Unlimited Possibilities 
• One Roof Leicester
• Leicester Nirvana FC
• Somali Development Services CIC

They’ll be helping to support the communities they work with to reduce their carbon emissions, improve their wellbeing and have a voice in shaping climate policy. These may be global ambitions, but they are rooted in local action. Every partnership and community project contributes towards building stronger, more connected places.

That idea feels especially relevant to this year’s Journeys Festival International theme, Community. Through art and shared experiences, the festival creates space for people to connect, exchange stories and see the world from different perspectives. This aligns closely with SDG 11’s ambition to create inclusive communities shaped by the people who live in them.

It’s a reminder that global change doesn’t only happen on the world stage. It starts closer to home, in the cities, neighbourhoods and communities we share.

Because when local communities thrive, global progress becomes possible.