The University of Auckland is ranked No. 1 for two consecutive years in the University Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education (THE).
The rankings measure how universities worldwide are performing against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs came into force in 2016 and set a 15-year agenda for all countries to end poverty, fight inequalities and build peaceful, just and sustainable societies.
Placing first overall for the second year running reaffirms the University of Auckland’s strong commitment to sustainability and making a positive social impact through its partnerships, research, teaching, operations, community engagement and knowledge transfer.
We are particularly pleased that this announcement, on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and within the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly acknowledges the contributions our people are making towards health and wellbeing (SDG 3), life under water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15).
The University’s results
The University of Auckland submitted evidence on 15 of the 17 SDGs in 2020. More comprehensive results are available on the THE website.
| Sustainable Development Goal | Our ranking |
|---|---|
| Overall ranking for impact | 1st |
| SDG 14: Life below water | 2nd |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals | 3rd |
| SDG 15: Life on land | 3rd = |
| SDG 3: Good health and wellbeing | 4th |
| SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy | 5th = |
| SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth | 7th |
| SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions | 7th |
| SDG 2: Zero hunger | 8th |
| SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation | 8th |
| SDG 5: Gender equality | 9th |
| SDG 1: No poverty | 11th |
| SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities | 11th |
| SDG 10: Reduced inequalities | 21st |
| SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production | 30th |
| SDG 4: Quality education | 39th = |
