United Nations global sustainability champion Walker Darke awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws

The University is proud to announce that Walker Darke, Partnerships and Communications Expert at the United Nations, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his exceptional contributions to global sustainability, youth engagement, and international policy.

Born and raised in Wolverhampton, Walker’s journey from a local student to a global leader exemplifies the transformative power of education. Inspired by an early visit to the University, Walker pursued an impressive academic path, earning degrees from Canterbury Christ Church University, Université Catholique de Lille, and Peking University, where he completed a Master of Laws in International Relations.

Walker’s professional achievements are remarkable. He authored the influential United Nations Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality for Europe, North America, and Central Asia, supporting 56 countries with viable energy pathways to reach net-zero emissions.

Walker has contributed to UN energy research, including work on hydrogen, carbon capture, nuclear, and solar and wind cooperation, reaching an estimated 1.1 billion people and the Reddit front page. He has also published peer-reviewed academic research on sustainable energy security and the energy transition at Fudan University in Shanghai, and played a key role in climate negotiations at COP26, COP27, and COP28.

Now, he leads communications and partnerships for UN sustainability initiatives, including efforts to green UN operations to be more eco-friendly and cost-effective, and supports developing countries to strengthen their climate commitments, particularly in heavy industry.  His professional experience spans the UN system and the European Union, including the UN Development Programme, the UN Industrial Development Organization, UN regional commissions in Europe and Asia, and the European Commission.

Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact, Walker is the first person from Wolverhampton to appear on the list. He is also a member of the Royal Society of Arts.

Walker is an advocate for youth empowerment. He co-founded the UN Resource Management Young Members Group, represented the UK at the G20 Youth Summit, and championed youth rights, equity, and justice in the development of the United Nations Principles on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. His dedication to mentoring and inspiring young people continues through school visits and educational initiatives in Wolverhampton.

Walker said: “Wolverhampton made me. At 13, I gathered 2,000 signatures to save the local pool. Later, I was elected Wolverhampton’s Youth MP. Now, at 31, I still catch the tram, only these days it takes me to the UN headquarters in Vienna, still trying to make a difference, just further from home. Because if you can start in Wolverhampton, you can reach the world.”

The University looks forward to working with Walker to strengthen sustainability education, inspire future leaders, and enhance its global engagement.

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