Global ranking puts 4 Ontario universities in the top 100

Four Ontario universities have made it into the top 100 for excellence in global sustainable development.

This ranking, from the British magazine Times Higher Education, focuses on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals rather than just academics.

Times Higher Education ranks how the universities tackle 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals such as poverty and hunger, gender equality, responsible consumption and production and climate action. These 17 goals were established by UN member nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

Only those universities that choose to participate are on the list.

“Not only do these institutions stand out in individual areas but they also demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable development,” Times Higher Education writes on its website.

Two Canadian universities are in the top 10 — the University of Alberta is ranked number six, and Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario is number eight.

In a supporting document, Queen’s says it is committed to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“Through research, teaching, and community impact, we are helping to solve the world’s most urgent challenges – from climate change to food insecurity to affordable healthcare,” the document states.

This is the fourth straight year Queen’s has secured a top 10 spot, the university says.

“The Queen’s community should be very proud of this year’s results, as they show that our institution’s commitment to tackling the world’s greatest challenges remains strong and is supported by real action,” Patrick Deane, Queen’s principal and vice-chancellor said in a press release.

“This recognition highlights the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff, and students in creating meaningful change. Our performances in the Impact Rankings have raised Queen’s profile internationally and continue to open doors for collaboration and opportunities to have even more impact.”

Other Canadian universities in the top 100 include the University of Victoria (13), Simon Fraser University (13), Université Laval (19), Université de Montréal (28), University of Calgary (58), and Dalhousie University (65).

The three other Ontario schools in the top 100 are Western University (21) in London, McMaster University (30) in Hamilton, and York University (35) in Toronto.

For the complete list and more information see the Times Higher Education website here.

#QueensU ranks 8th in the world 🌎 in the 2024 @timeshighered Impact Rankings, marking our 4th year in the #Top10 for our community’s commitment to advance the #UN Sustainable Development Goals #SDGs locally and globally!

➡️ https://t.co/wAamMF7kjh | #THEglobalimpact |… pic.twitter.com/GoQ1MaKUY4

— Queen’s University (@queensu) June 12, 2024