The latest results of the THE Impact Rankings, released today, confirm Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s growing reputation as a globally impactful institution committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Out of more than 2,500 participating universities worldwide, UC has climbed 28 places from its previous position of 89 – affirming its leadership in research, teaching, and community engagement that drives sustainable development.
Demonstrating the University’s strength in research and teaching that addresses real-world challenges, UC achieved standout global positions: 14th for Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and 22nd for Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).
UC is the top-ranked university in New Zealand for three SDGs:
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 14: Life Below Water
“These results reflect the University’s deep commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,” says Professor Jan Evans-Freeman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sustainability.
The University has various research groups and centres tackling global issues, including the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, QuakeCoRE and the Institute of Law, Emergencies and Disasters.
“Research plays a pivotal role in addressing the world’s most urgent challenges,” says Professor Lucy Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation. “Our strong performance in the THE Impact Rankings reflects the depth and relevance of our research and reinforces our responsibility to generate knowledge that informs and transforms communities, both locally and globally.”
Sustainability is embedded across UC’s academic programmes. Students engage with the SDGs through a range of qualifications, including the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability and the Master’s in Disaster Risk and Resilience, alongside a broad array of majors, minors, and courses that address complex global challenges.
UC is proud to be hosting the United Nations 8th Adaptation Futures Conference later this year, helping position Oceania and Aotearoa New Zealand at the forefront of climate adaptation and allowing our people to demonstrate thought leadership while benefiting from high-level knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration opportunities created by this event.
Read more about UC research here, and Resilient Cities and Communities here>
You can explore UC’s SDG-aligned courses here>
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