Welcome to the
Democratic Education Network

What is DEN?

The Democratic Education Network (DEN) is a student-led initiative at the University of Westminster committed to empowering students through democratic engagement, global collaboration, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building on the University of Westminster’s 2023–29 strategy, DEN integrates student voices into education, research, and international partnerships, ensuring that students feel supported, inspired, and able to develop their potential. Under the leadership of Dr. Farhang Morady, DEN has grown into an international platform that brings together students, staff, and partners across continents.

Awards & Recognition

In 2019, DEN was runner-up for the Student Experience Award at the Guardian University Awards.
In 2025, DEN was recognised as a finalist for Student Engagement at the Green Gown Awards. Dr. Farhang Morady is a finalist as a Sustainability Champion (Staff) for his leadership in embedding sustainability and student empowerment at the University of Westminster.

Student Voices

Student Voices are at the heart of DEN. Through blogs, podcasts, creative projects, and personal reflections, students share their journeys of learning and growth. These stories highlight how local action connects to global change, and how DEN inspires young people to challenge inequalities, build partnerships, and explore their creativity. Highlights include:

Reflections on the New York and Bangkok field trips.
Creative pieces such as poetry, photography, and student-designed posters.
Podcasts featuring international students discussing SDGs and global citizenship.
Alumni reflections on how DEN shaped their careers and studies.

Our SDG Focus

The Sustainable Development Goals are embedded into DEN’s work, with a strong emphasis on:

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Upcoming Events

DEN’s flagship event is the International Student Conference, held annually at the University of Westminster. The upcoming conference in May 2026 will feature student-led panels, global debates, and the launch of our latest book, ‘Transforming Education: Innovation for Sustainability in the AI Era.’ Additional highlights include workshops in Turkey and Thailand, and continued partnerships with Hanoi and WIUT.

Meet Director

I am an Associate Professor in International Development at the University of Westminster, with almost 30 years of teaching and research in International Political Economy and Development.

As a National Teaching Fellow and multiple-time Outstanding Teacher (2013, 2014, 2016, 2019), I was also honoured with the Westminster Learning and Teaching Award (2022). These recognitions reflect my commitment to making education collaborative, innovative, and transformative.

In 2016, I founded the Democratic Education Network (DEN) to create a more compassionate, inclusive, and student-led learning environment. My approach champions project-based and student-led research, alongside publishing opportunities for students through magazines, blogs, and books.

Beyond the classroom, I have organised and led international field trips, workshops, and conferences, connecting students with local communities and global partners across continents. These initiatives aim to empower students to see themselves as global citizens who can help shape a more sustainable, democratic, and just world.

Read more about my research and publications here

Our Aim

The Democratic Education Network (DEN) is built on a model of genuine student–staff collaboration, grounded in mutual support and shared responsibility. Our aim is to unlock students’ enthusiasm, creativity, and confidence, enabling them to engage meaningfully with their communities while feeling supported and inspired to realise their potential.

DEN provides a platform that celebrates the diversity of the University of Westminster’s student body, encouraging democratic engagement through a collective approach to education. By working together, students learn not only to recognise and communicate their own achievements but also to contribute to wider social and global change.

In doing so, DEN builds directly on the University of Westminster’s 2023–29 strategy, linking classroom learning with real-world impact and fostering the skills, values, and experiences students need to become global citizens and leaders for a sustainable future.

Leadership & Support

The Democratic Education Network (DEN) is proudly supported by the University of Westminster.

Our mission—to empower students through global citizenship, sustainability, and intercultural collaboration—is endorsed by university leaders who recognise DEN’s transformative role in education.

Professor Peter Bonfield

(Vice-Chancellor & President, University of Westminster)

“You [DEN] are an inspiration to us all—part of a compassionate, progressive and responsible movement of young people helping to overcome injustices and make the world a better place.”

Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement and Employability), University of Westminster

“A good education is about opening doors, exploring ideas, being bold, challenging the status quo, and giving hope for a more just world. DEN Westminster is integral to our institution’s mission in providing inclusive education and improving outcomes for our students from diverse backgrounds, and thus being a place where students can bring their whole selves and feel they belong. Every year, it is an absolute joy to witness students from different disciplines making DEN their home and thus making our university a better place for all.”

Dr Andy Pitchford

Head of the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation, University of Westminster

“[Students’] contributions enrich debates on collaboration, co-operation, and sustainability… DEN is moving from strength to strength.”

Alan Porter

Head of School – Social Sciences, University of Westminster.

“I’ve seen the impact of the Democratic Education Network in the School of Social Sciences first hand, through my own participation in field trips and the subsequent conversations I have had with DEN students when they go on to lead or join other university projects, clearly inspired and empowered by their experience with DEN. Then DEN is an environment where confidence grows and ideas take shape, building a genuine community of partners that bridges Schools, Colleges, Universities and countries. For students who care about sustainability, global citizenship and working together, the DEN is the place to be.”

Dr. Ngamlamai Piolueang

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Kasetsart University, Thailand

“Education, in its truest form, transcends textbooks and lectures—DEN embodies this philosophy by encouraging students to challenge boundaries and embrace collaborative innovation.”

University of Kasetsart, Bangkok, Vietnam

Dr Nguyen Thi Minh Tien

Dean, Faculty of International Studies, Hanoi University, Vietnam

“The partnership between Westminster and Hanoi University, led by DEN, has cultivated a learning environment that transcends borders and empowers students with a truly global perspective.”

Prof. Dr. İsmail Şiriner

(Batman University, Turkey)

“This inspiring collection brings the Sustainable Development Goals to life, fostering change in global development, climate action, education, and the arts…A powerful tribute to leadership, creativity, and innovation in education.”

Dr. Pailin Kittisereechai

(Kasetsart University, Thailand)

“At the heart of democracy lies the celebration of diversity and the freedom to express one’s opinion… DEN captures this spirit, inspiring vibrant exchanges of ideas among young minds.”

Morgan Lirette

Sustainable Development Advisor, University of Westminster

“DEN represents the best of the university experience – finding community, learning about the world around you, and developing career-ready skills. That all of this is happening around sustainable development is a dream. DEN is a jewel, and the world is the better for the students who pass through it.”

Elisabetta Brighi

Assistant Head of School – Social Sciences, University of Westminster.

“DEN is a remarkable asset, offering a student experience that is truly unique to the University of Westminster. It is rare to see students so alive in a university setting – whether they’re organising a conference, preparing for a field trip, or exchanging ideas in their weekly meetings. What sets DEN apart is the nurturing, inclusive, and vibrant environment it fosters. Students don’t just participate, they bring their whole selves into this, and DEN becomes a multiplier of confidence, capability, and connection. It is a model of engaged learning that speaks directly to our institutional commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and real-world impact”.

Get Involved

DEN is a community of students and staff working together to shape a sustainable future. Join us to take part in research, field trips, creative projects, and international collaborations. Together, we can transform education and connect student voices to global change.