Bristol in South West England has a decades-long history of championing sustainability, and the city is the latest stop in a global tour of the United Nations’ ‘Shared Lives, Shared Future’ exhibition.
The creative and internationally connected city is showcasing 35 photo stories from the exhibition, which highlights how the UN shapes our daily lives. The exhibition is being shown by the Global Goals Centre, an educational charity, within Sparks Bristol, a sustainable department store in the heart of the city.
A city shaped by global connections
With over half a million inhabitants, Bristol is one of the UK’s most diverse cities, with communities whose roots and heritage span the world.
“Those global connections are woven into the fabric of our city, shaping our culture, economy and communities,” outlines Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council. “Bristol is a city with a strong international outlook and a long history of working with partners to tackle global challenges at a local level,” he adds.
Bristol is a UNESCO City of Film and UNESCO Learning City; it plays a leading role in the UN Forum of Mayors; and it drives action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Testimonies range from how the UN has helped children like Abdulrahman in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; to Afaf’s experience in Yemen where she was saved from child marriage at the age of 15 thanks to UN efforts.
From Europe, British underwater photographer Katy says the UN inspired her to inform children on protecting our oceans; and Portuguese globetrotter Pedro relied on UN coordination to access weather forecasts on his phone.
“The stories it tells remind us that international cooperation is not an abstract concept. It affects people’s lives every day and can help create safer, healthier and more prosperous communities,” details Councillor Dyer.
Sustainability runs through Bristol’s veins
In 2015, Bristol became the first UK city to be awarded European Green Capital status, which recognises frontrunners in urban environmental sustainability. In 2018, Bristol declared a ‘Climate Emergency’, the first UK local authority to do so, and set targets to become climate neutral by 2030.
It was also one of the first cities in the UK to adopt the SDGs as a framework for citywide action through its One City Plan, helping align the work of public services, businesses, universities, community organisations and residents.
“The SDGs align closely with Bristol’s ambitions as a city. We want Bristol to be a place where everyone can thrive, where opportunities are shared more fairly, and where future generations inherit a healthy and sustainable environment,” says Councillor Dyer.
Mixed picture on SDG progress
Bristol was the first UK city to produce a Voluntary Local Review of its progress towards the SDGs.
Its most recent assessment in 2022 found that emissions have been falling, its share of renewables continues to rise, and less city waste is going to landfall. The University of Bristol announced it has divested from all investments in fossil fuel corporations. Water fountains installed in the city centre in 2019 have prevented 50 miles of plastic bottle waste every year.
Bristol’s economy has grown, unemployment remains low, and the pay gap between men and women has decreased, but the gap between the richest and the poorest has widened.
As with many cities across the UK, Bristol is facing a cost-of-living crisis. It is England’s least affordable city to rent in. The average rent amounts to 45% of the average salary, compared to 42% in Greater London, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from 2024.
In 2024, one in 43 households in Bristol used food banks. The city is developing a network of warm places to support residents who will struggle to pay their energy bills. It is also working with partners to improve educational outcomes, support good-quality employment, and strengthen community wellbeing.
“The challenges we face, whether that is climate change, inequality, public health or creating opportunities for future generations, do not stop at city or national borders,” notes Councillor Dyer. “Bristol understands both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being part of an interconnected world.”
Shared Lives, Shared Future, a global exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UN), is being hosted at Sparks Bristol from 3 September to 11 October 2026.