The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 have been released, and New Zealand has emerged as a global leader in university sustainability stewardship. The rankings, which assess universities’ contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), have placed New Zealand institutions at the forefront of efforts to address the world’s most pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.

New Zealand’s top ranking is a testament to the country’s strong commitment to sustainability and its universities’ dedication to embedding sustainable practices into their operations, research, and teaching. The University of Auckland, University of Otago, and University of Canterbury were among the top performers, with all three institutions featuring in the global top 10 for SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

The Impact Rankings assess universities across four broad categories: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. New Zealand universities excelled in the stewardship category, which evaluates institutions’ commitment to sustainability in their own operations, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement practices.

The ranking is a significant achievement for New Zealand, which has long been recognized for its stunning natural beauty and strong environmental ethos. The country’s universities have been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, with many institutions already having made significant strides in reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices.

The Impact Rankings also highlight the critical role that universities play in driving positive change and addressing global challenges. By prioritizing sustainability and embedding it into their operations and curriculum, universities can inspire and equip the next generation of leaders to tackle the complex problems facing the world.

New Zealand’s top ranking in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 is a powerful endorsement of the country’s commitment to sustainability and its universities’ leadership in this critical area. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, inequality, and social injustice, New Zealand’s universities are setting a powerful example for others to follow.