The University of Westminster Students’ Union (UWSU) united officers and colleagues from across 20 London students’ unions for the first ever London Student Partnership Meeting.
On 8 November the UWSU team set up the first London Student Partnership Meeting, bringing students’ unions from across the city together to explore the ways they can work collaboratively to make a difference through shared campaigns, identifying common student challenges and co-creating city-wide solutions. During the event each team learnt from one another and discussed how to take collective action to influence city-level policymakers on the issues that impact students across London.
In the inaugural meeting, sabbatical officers and colleagues from London’s students’ unions also discussed the key issues facing students living and studying in the capital which transcend university borders. The focus narrowed to four key themes intersected by the cost-of-living crisis: student health, housing, transport and safety.
The event was held at The Hideaway social space on Westminster’s Regent Campus and was attended by representatives from 20 students’ unions across London. Following the successful first meeting, the partnership will continue to meet regularly to strategise on cross-London campaigns to support students in the city, including lobbying for a reduction of Transport for London fares and protection of student renter rights through the Renters’ Rights Bill.
About the event, UWSU President Divanshu Airan said: “I am thrilled to say that Westminster Students' Union proudly hosted the first event of the London Student Partnership. This initiative has been one of my top priorities this year and I’m proud that Westminster Students' Union took the lead in bringing together 20 students’ unions from across London. This is a unique opportunity for us to identify key challenges facing our students and collectively amplify their voices. Together, we can build a strong platform that brings London and national policymakers closer to the students who live and study here. I’m incredibly excited to see how this partnership will grow and drive meaningful change for our communities.”
The work of the UWSU directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the University of Westminster Students’ Union.
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