On April 22, 2020, Thames Higher Education (THE) released the second version of THE Impact Rankings", which assessed universities against 17 indicators of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A total of 857 universities from 89 countries and regions on six continents participate in at least one SDG ranking, and 766 universities participate in the overall ranking.

Twelve universities in China's mainland participate in this year's ranking. Nine universities are included in the global ranking, among which Tongji University is the only university among the top 100, ranking 13th in the global ranking and 1st in the Asian ranking. China's mainland universitiesrank first in two SDG indicators. Among them, Tongji University ranks first in SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) among 361 universities, and second in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) among 330 universities. Nanjing Agricultural University ranks first in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) among 290 universities.

The global ranking is led by universities in Oceania, the top four in the table. Although 301 universities participate the rankings for the first time this year, the University of Auckland, New Zealand, has maintained its strengths of last year, remaining the first in the list. Not all universities from developed economies are in the top 20 list. Tongji University from China's mainland and São Paulo University from Brazil rank 13th and 14th, both being included in the ranking for the first time.

For the first time in the ranking of universities, the 17 SDG indicators of the United Nations are used for assessment, showing the social and economic impact on earth of universities. From developed countries to the lowest-income countries, the ranking clearly shows the joint efforts of higher education institutions in the globe.

The 17 UN SDGs include No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovations and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life On Land, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and Partnerships for the Goals.

According to a well-resourced person with Tongji University, Tongji University has worked closely with the United Nations Environment Program for overa decadeto make unremitting long-term explorations and innovative practices in construction of green campuses, personnel training in sustainable development, research and international cooperation. The university has taken the lead in promoting global universities to move towards “dark green”, making great contributions to the construction of ecological civilization and the realization of green development. All this demonstrates the efforts of Tongji University in building a world-class universitywhile rooted in China.

link: https://news.tongji.edu.cn/info/1003/73474.htm