Western Sydney University has cemented its reputation as one of the world’s top universities following the release of the latest Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.
The University has been ranked 6th in Australia and 17th in the world overall, for its social, ecological and economic impact – placing it within the top 1.5 per cent of all institutions ranked this year.
The annual THE University Impact Rankings assesses how the global higher education sector is working towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These rankings are based on research, outreach and stewardship and are the only ranking system in the world to assess higher education’s sustainability impact.
This year Western Sydney University has been ranked in the top ten worldwide for four of the 17 SDGs, while it is in the top 100 worldwide for 16 out of the 17 SDGs.
Highlights include:
- 3rd worldwide for SDG5 Gender Equality
- 4th worldwide for SDG10 Reducing Inequality
- 17th worldwide for SDG13 Climate Action – up from top 200 last year
- Equal 10th worldwide for SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production
- Equal 5th worldwide for SDG17 Partnership for the Goals
Professor Barney Glover AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, said this year’s impressive Impact Ranking results are even more notable as more than 1,200 universities participated – a significant increase in the participating institutions from the previous year.
“The University community should be justifiably proud of these latest Impact Rankings, particularly the global recognition for our sector-leading work to promote gender equality, tackle inequalities and improve access to education, and address issues of sustainability and climate change. I congratulate all our staff on this outstanding outcome,” said Professor Glover.
“The Impact Ranking results reflect the efforts right across our University to embed our commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals into all aspects of our teaching and learning, world-leading research and our engagement with the community.
“We were one of the earliest universities to become a signatory to support the UN SDGs, and this is reflected in our outstanding results over the last three years, where we have been highly ranked among the world’s best.
“As an anchor institution deeply embedded in one of Australia’s fastest growing and most diverse regions – Greater Western Sydney – we are proud to play a leading role helping to drive social change in partnership with our communities. Through our innovative teaching curriculum, we are also helping shape our students’ capacity to succeed and make a positive contribution to their community and the world – inspiring them to be our next generation of thought leaders and civic-minded global citizens.
“The University is committed to sustainability. Through our new strategic plan, Sustaining Success 2021 – 2026, we outline our adherence to the principle of sustainability. We look forward to continuing our efforts to tackling some of society’s complex global challenges and inequities and making a difference in our communities – both locally and globally – with the SDGs front and centre.”
