This year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings place York University as a global leader when measured against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Overall, York placed 33rd out of 767 competing universities from around the world and achieved a top 100 spot in 15 of the 17 SDGs, a substantial gain over last year’s rankings.
The rankings look at how universities around the world make progress against each of the UN’s broad sustainability goals through research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.
This year’s Impact Rankings have expanded, not only in the number of participating universities, up from 450 last year to 767 this year, but also through the increased number of SDGs, up to 17 from the 11 measured last year. Both indicate growing recognition of the importance of the SDGs and the essential role of universities in society.
“York is one of Canada’s leading community-engaged universities, and our place in the Times Higher Education global rankings highlights the University’s commitment to creating positive change for our students, our communities and the world,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. “In the era of COVID-19, it is more important than ever for universities to work with government, industry and community organizations to tackle serious economic, social and health challenges. I am proud that York has embraced its role in driving collaborative and innovative solutions.”
Impact rankings reflect York’s values
York is a university committed to creating change that will help build stronger, more inclusive, equitable, resilient and sustainable communities. Through its collective efforts, the University rallies community engagement and partnerships to make the world a better place. This approach gives York University’s students, faculty, staff and alumni opportunities to contribute to solutions that will address the most pressing global challenges.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
For the second consecutive year, York excelled in several areas, with top rankings out of 767 universities:
- SDG 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation” – fifth place
- SDG 10 “Reduced Inequalities” – ninth place
- SDG 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities” – ninth place
- SDG 5 “Gender Equality” – 10th place
To view the complete list of SDG rankings, visit https://about.yorku.ca/times-higher-education-ranking/.