University of Westminster
University of Westminster Climate Assembly
Finalist, Student engagement
Finalist, Student Engagement
About
Using democratic lottery, we brought together 42 students, academics, professional services and contractors who reflected the full diversity of our university community. Collectively, assembly members learned, deliberated and produced 51 recommendations across three areas of climate action: ICT and AI Emissions; Teaching and Professional Development; and Community and Culture. Launched on Earth Day 2026, their recommendations are a community-authored blueprint for change. Students were genuine partners throughout: making up half of the assembly membership, working as trained facilitators, logistical coordinators, communications leads, artists, photographers and evaluators, alongside staff at every stage. The SDG Coordinating Group, chaired by a Deputy Vice Chancellor and the Head of Sustainability, is now overseeing the University's response. The Vice Chancellor has committed to reconvening the assembly on Earth Day 2027 to review progress.
Top 3 learnings
- We learned that students given genuine responsibility, not managed consultation, become our most committed advocates.
- We found democratic deliberation generates the institutional mandate that climate action needs.
- We proved that bottom-up initiatives backed by senior leadership create change that neither can achieve alone.
What would it mean to win?
We have been proud participants in the Green Gowns for the past few years, and love the opportunity to showcase the brilliant work of our colleagues amongst the brilliant work in the sector.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
| 2026 | |
| Student engagement | |
| Finalist, UK and Ireland |
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