Swansea University has been ranked joint 65th in the world for meaningful contributions towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.
Now in its sixth year, THE’s Impact World Rankings is the world’s only one that measures universities’ contributions to all 17 of the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and assesses their commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.
Swansea’s climb from the overall 101-200 ranking band in 2023 to joint 65th in 2024 comes from a record evaluation of 2,152 universities from 125 countries and regions, including 68 UK universities, which demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable development.
Of the UK universities, Swansea ranks in the UK top 20 at 17th.
According to the THE Impact Rankings, by excelling in a variety of SDGs, these universities showcase their commitment to addressing the world's most pressing challenges, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and partnerships.
Swansea participated in six of the 17 SDG rankings, and has achieved a world top 50 rank for five out of the six:
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – 9th
- SDG: 15 Life on Land – 19th
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – =26th
- SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing – 40th
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities – =49th
- SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals – 101-200th
Professor Helen Griffiths, Swansea University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: “I am delighted that Swansea University has been recognised for its impact on sustainable development for the wellbeing of our planet and future generations.
“Our success in this ranking confirms the real impact that our work is having globally and locally, through developing and sharing new knowledge to address global challenges, ensuring that we operate in increasingly responsible ways while achieving our goals. Our Sustainability and Climate Emergency Strategy (2021-2025), aligned to the university’s strategic aims, has provided a framework to operationalise our sustainability policy. Informed by our leading research and innovation, our strategy directs us to become more sustainable in terms of how we think and how we deliver our services and functions.”
Professor Judith Lamie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International Engagement, said: “Swansea’s commitment and contribution to sustainability has become very well recognised with this world top 100 ranking, alongside our recent 80th position in the QS World Sustainability ranking as well as a UK top 10 rank of 8th in the highly regarded People and Planet University League table. It is encouraging to see Swansea placed among the top institutions in the UK and world for sustainability, showcasing the efforts of all our staff and how each of us is able to make a meaningful contribution on an individual level and as an institution.”