These are the universities most committed to the Sustainable Development Goals in the world

The National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of Sao Paulo are the Latin American universities with the greatest social and economic impact, according to THE Impact Rankings 2022.

The National Autonomous University of Mexico is the best positioned in the list of the 100 best in the world in this field, according to THE 2022 University Impact Rankings, fourth edition of the classification prepared by Times Higher Education (THE).

The classification, published since 2019, positions the different higher education institutions based on their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an initiative promoted by the UN in 2015.

The ranking is made up of two types of lists: global and specific. The first is made up of SDG17, plus the three objectives in which each institution obtains its best results. That is, it is made up of a common part and a variable part. The specific ones are independent lists for each of the 17 SDGs.

To participate in the ranking, institutions must submit documented information on the activity they carry out in relation to SDG17, and a minimum of three more SDGs.

From this threshold, universities can provide data on as many SDGs as they wish, with the aim of obtaining as broad a vision as possible of their relative contribution to each SDG.

Phil Baty, director of knowledge at THE, commented that the Impact Rankings are redefining excellence in global higher education, based on how universities are improving the world, not on traditional measures such as academic wealth and prestige.

“It is inspiring to see such a large, diverse and fast-growing community of universities from all continents committed to standing up to scrutiny, measuring and demonstrating their impact, and showcasing best practices in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Students, as well as governments, are increasingly demanding such commitments, and these demands will only grow stronger.Baty said.

“It is particularly exciting to see that universities outside of the traditional Western elites are shining as beacons in this new approach to university rankings, bringing an exciting new perspective on a diverse sector and expanding student options.”, he added.

Key data of the 2022 ranking

• A record 1,524 universities from 110 countries/regions were ranked for their work towards the UN SDGs in 18 tables: an overall ranking and one for each of the 17 SDGs

• Overall ranking of 1,406 universities is led by Australia, while Western Sydney University is named number one in the world

• Mainland China joins the top 30 in the world

• Japan is in the top 10 worldwide and is the second most represented country overall

• The US state of Arizona ranks second in the world overall and number one in three SDGs

• The UK has 20 universities in the top 100 overall, more than any other nation

• Taiwan hosts two universities in the global top 40

• India breaks into the world top 50

• Brazil is among the 10 most represented countries in general