51Âþ»­

Dear students,

Sustainability and climate change are one of the biggest challenges facing humanity and 51Âþ»­ is committed through its actions to making a difference and being part of the conversation.

So, I am delighted to announce today that 51Âþ»­ will be represented at the COP 28 climate talks in Dubai, hosting a pavilion in the Blue Zone, the negotiating area where world leaders and policy-makers will be gathering to decide on actions that will affect all our futures.

As far as we are aware, we will be the only UK university in this area, and over the course of nearly two weeks, our academics and PhD researchers will be showcasing their work to the world. Alongside them, myself and colleagues in the leadership team will be making the case to policy-makers for urgent action on the climate. Insert bit on carbon footprint and flights from staff message

It is easy to see the issue of climate change as being outside of our control, but this university has to play a part in the discussions and it is one of my priorities to empower students and staff to be part of the debate.

However, the two weeks of COP 28 from November 30-December 12 is not just about our team out in Dubai. There will be a series of events on campus in Leicester and at 51Âþ»­ Dubai so that you can get involved and demonstrate your desire for action on the climate.

Our fortnight of events will be launched by a ‘Stop Plastics Getting into the Ocean’ event in Leicester with student and staff volunteers on boats and on land removing plastic waste from the River Soar and riverbanks around Abbey Park in the city.

There will also be…

• A workshop where you can learn how to deliver Practical Actions for a Sustainable World.
• A COP 28 simulation, where 51Âþ»­ projects will be showcased in ‘pavilions’ to show how you can get involved in volunteering that can make a difference.
• Pizza for the Planet allows you to learn about the university’s work on sustainability and the SDGs across the campus while enjoying pizza.
• The 28 ideas for 28 COP initiative will ask you and our staff to come up with ideas, plans, or projects to improve sustainability on campus. A shortlist of 28 ideas for COP 28 will be investigated and the best put into operation across the campus.
• The 51Âþ»­ Climate Awards will be the finale to our two-week campaign when students and staff will be honoured for their work on the SDGs and the climate.

We shall also be involving the wider community and partners in our campaign for climate action. Businesses will be invited to an event illustrating the benefits of sustainable practices, both morally and commercially, and politicians and campaigners invited to an event where young people, from 51Âþ»­ and local schools, will get the chance to ask politicians and climate leaders questions about how we will save our planet.

gives full details on what we’re doing in Dubai and here in Leicester across COP 28, and will be updated with more information over the next few weeks.

So please, take this opportunity to get involved in the most important issue of our age.

Best wishes,

Katie Normington, Vice-Chancellor, 51Âþ»­