April NUI Galway top of the class in addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals

University is number 5 in the world for Responsible Consumption and Production 

NUI Galway is Ireland’s number 1 higher education institution in THE Impact rankings 

NUI Galway has been named the number one university in Ireland for sustainable development.

The 2022 edition of Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings ranks the University 47th out of 1,406 institutions around the world - breaking into the top 50 after being in 82^nd position last year.

The report also puts NUI Galway as the fifth best university in the world for Sustainable Development Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production.

Assessments for THE Impact rankings are based on submissions from universities around the world in line with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is a measure of the extent to which institutions are having a positive social and economic impact on the planet; from climate action and gender equality, to good health and well-being.

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “The sustainable development goals are arguably the most important targets for the world to meet, and it’s heartening to know we are making a positive impact towards creating a sustainable future for our planet. 

“At NUI Galway, sustainability is one of our core values, and we look forward to progressing our work to address these global challenges as part of our central mission to serve the public good.”  

Deputy President and Registrar of NUI Galway, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Chair of the University Sustainability Advisory Board, said: “I’d like to commend the hard work of our team of staff, students and community partners and their commitment in establishing the University as a leading institutional model for sustainability and sustainable development. 

“It was primarily our students who put the issue of sustainability on the agenda in our University, and with that we vowed to try to respond to challenges that we face while staying true to our University’s values of Respect, Openness, Sustainability and Excellence.”

NUI Galway performed strongly and increased its position in a number of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including:

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, ranked 5^th
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities, ranked 31^st 
• SDG 14: Life Below Water, ranked 31^st 
• SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing, ranked 51^st 
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, ranked 58^th
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institution, ranked 59^th
• SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, ranked 63^rd 
• SDG 7: Affordable & Clean Energy, ranked 75^th 
• SDG 13: Climate Action, ranked 101-200 
• SDG 5: Gender Equality, ranked 101-200
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, ranked 201-300

Further information on our progress can be accessed here

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