UBC ranked top Canadian university for meeting UN sustainability goals

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has been ranked the top university in Canada for its work in meeting the United Nations’ 17 sustainability goals.

The ranking comes courtesy of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings – global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs address global challenges for well-being and good health, quality education, gender equality, building sustainable cities and communities, climate change, and other critical issues that the world currently faces.

Inaugurated in 2019, the rankings are based on three points of criteria: research, outreach, and stewardship.

“I’m pleased that UBC continues to stand out in the Times Higher Education impact rankings,” said UBC President and Vice Chancellor Santa J. Ono. “The result speaks to the incredible work by our faculty, students and staff in responding to the world’s most pressing issues.”

In addition to its overall ranking, UBC placed first in two separate goals: conserving life under water by protecting marine habitats, and taking action to mitigate climate change. It’s the only university to rank first in more than one goal. UBC also placed third for promoting life on land through sustainable management of forests and related ecosystems.

“At a time when a global pandemic has underscored how truly connected we are, universities play a bigger role than ever in helping build sustainable cities, communities and societies,” said Ono. “I’m truly proud of how the UBC community has stepped up to the challenge.”

In addition to its first-place spot in Canada, UBC ranked seventh in the world out of more than 850 participating institutions from 89 countries across six continents.

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SFU receives top marks

UBC wasn’t the only school in the region to find itself ranked high on this year’s list.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) also received recognition this year, placing 19th in the world for its response to key United Nations sustainability goals.

Among these goals, SFU was also ranked number one globally for its impact on sustainable cities and communities, and was named among the world’s top 10 universities for its commitment to tackling climate change. The rankings also place SFU in the top five globally for its response to peace, justice, and strong institutions, and in the top 10 for its commitment to researching life below water and supporting aquatic ecosystems.

“As Canada’s engaged university, we have made it our mission to help build healthy, resilient and sustainable communities,” said SFU President Andrew Petter. “It is especially gratifying, therefore, to now be recognized as a world leader.”

This success, he added, “is testament to the commitment of our staff, faculty and students to make sustainability a priority on our campuses and in the communities we serve.”