The Times Higher Education (THE) has released its highly anticipated 2024 Impact Rankings, spotlighting universities worldwide for their dedication to advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s rankings feature a record 2,152 universities from 125 countries and regions, marking a substantial 26% increase in participation compared to the previous year.
The Impact Rankings are distinctive in scope, being the only global performance tables that evaluate universities across four crucial areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching, aligned with the UN’s SDGs. These rankings not only celebrate academic excellence but also underscore universities’ pivotal role in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development.
The 2024 rankings have seen a significant rise in African university participation, with 230 institutions featured across 18 impact tables, up from 106 last year. This surge highlights the continent's growing focus on sustainability within higher education.
Leading the charge in Africa are South African universities, with the University of Johannesburg securing the 36th spot globally, followed closely by the University of Pretoria at 42nd and the University of Cape Town at 77th.
Afe Babalola University in Nigeria has emerged as a global leader in SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), ranking first globally for the second consecutive year due to its exceptional efforts in energy sustainability and community outreach.
Algeria and Nigeria have significantly increased their presence in the rankings, with Algeria now boasting 77 institutions, up from 14 in 2023, and Nigeria rising from 11 to 27 ranked universities. This growth underscores the expanding emphasis on sustainable development across Africa.
South African universities have excelled in addressing poverty, with the University of Johannesburg, the University of Pretoria, and Afe Babalola University ranking among the top 15 globally for SDG 1 (no poverty), reflecting robust efforts to tackle economic disparities.
Globally, Western Sydney University in Australia retains its position as the top-ranked institution in the overall Impact Rankings for the third consecutive year.
Phil Baty, THE’s chief global affairs officer, emphasized the significance of these rankings, stating, “Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings move beyond traditional metrics to assess how universities are tackling broader societal issues. The commitment of universities to participate in these rankings demonstrates their dedication to advancing the UN’s sustainable development goals, which is truly inspiring.”
The 2024 rankings highlight a growing trend among universities to prioritize sustainable development, with a strong focus on SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). SDGs 4 (quality education), 3 (good health and well-being), and 5 (gender equality) also garnered significant attention globally, reflecting widespread efforts to address education, health, and gender disparities.
Baty underscored the rigorous process involved in compiling the rankings, ensuring they serve as a valuable resource for universities, governments, funders, policymakers, and prospective students to assess the social and economic impact of higher education institutions worldwide.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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