Griffith University has been ranked first in Australia for its performance against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2022.
The University was also ranked number one in Queensland for its progress against SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Griffith Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Lee Smith said the University was proud to lead the way in sustainable development.
“At Griffith, we recognise the critical role that universities play in achieving the United Nations’ 17 SDGs,” Professor Smith said.
“We’re led by our values. Both our teaching and research prioritise innovation and social impact to reflect our belief that everyone deserves a chance to make a difference-for themselves and others.”
Griffith was ranked in the Top 100 (92) globally overall, with the THE rankings capturing universities’ impact on society based on their success in delivering the United Nations’ SDGs.
“A top 100 result for Griffith University is an exceptional outcome considering the additional number of universities ranked this year,” Professor Smith said.
The efforts of close to 1500 institutions were analysed by THE, up from 1200 in 2021, a 23 percent increase in the number of participating universities worldwide.
“It is wonderful to see the global take-up by fellow institutions and the focus many universities are now directing towards some of society’s greatest challenges.”
| 2022 ranking | Sustainable Development Goal | |
| 20 | SDG 16 | Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions |
| 22 | SDG 3 | Good Health and Wellbeing |
| 54 | SDG 11 | Sustainable Cities and Communities |
| 99 | SDG 10 | Reduced Inequalities |
| 101-200 | SDG 13 | Climate Action |
| 101-200 | SDG 4 | Quality Education |
| 101-200 | SDG 17 | Partnership for the Goals |
Griffith’s performance towards SDG16 was bolstered by a range of strong existing and new initiatives, including the University’s Academic Freedom and Freedom and Speech Policy, which took effect in February 2021.
The #1 in Australia ranking also reflects important work carried out by bodies like the University’s Centre for Governance and Public Policy, which provides advice to governments at all levels, and recently launched Australia’s National Integrity System with Transparency international and the first Asia Pacific Integrity School.
Other leading University centres include Griffith Asia Institute, Policy innovation Hub, Cities Research Institute, and the Australian Rivers Institute, which was named the Number One Global Water Security Think Tank in 2020.
The number of graduates from law and enforcement related courses, which grew 14 percent in the past year, was also another key metric towards SDG 16.
This year, Griffith made submissions for seven of the UN SDGs, up from four in 2021. 2022 marks just the fourth year of the THE Impact rankings.
Director, Griffith Centre for Sustainable Enterprise, Dr Rob Hales said Griffith’s performance over the last couple of years was remarkable given the youth of the rankings metric.
“A consistent result in the top 10 percent of rankings over time is a very good measure of the sustainability commitment of a university,” Dr Hales said.
“Over time the ranking methodology for SDGs will likely mature and everything Griffith is doing in relation to these important global indicators should be accurately reflected in future results.”
“The THE Impact Rankings contribute towards raising awareness and ensuring accountability for continuous improvement in relation to the UN SDGs and Griffith is a committed partner in these efforts,” Professor Smith added.
Griffith University is a signatory to the UN Global Compact and has signed up to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network-Universities Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN SDGs were adopted in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
Read more about Griffith’s commitment to sustainable development.
