New Times Higher Education Impact Rankings reveals perfect score mfor ‘SDG Partnerships’

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Thursday, June 20, 2024—The University of the West Indies’ (The UWI) strategy of focusing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in building out its academic reputation and global research profile has produced a perfect score in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Over the past decade, the University has strategically established joint global centres and initiatives with other respected universities to provide advocacy and development outcomes around sustainable development. Impressively, within THE’s series of metrics used to evaluate the performance of the individual SDGs, The UWI earned a perfect score of 100% for its relationships to support the goals in pursuit of SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles responded to Times Higher Education’s report, saying, “Our vision for The UWI requires the implementation of multiple strategies, and we are very proud that the work of our faculties in particular has won the recognition of the global university environment.  This is a great moment for The UWI”. 

THE’s Impact Rankings identify and celebrate universities that excel in advancing multiple SDGs, evaluating their research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. The UWI also earned notably high scores in collaborations and health services in assessing SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being; for its proportion of women receiving degrees in assessing SDG 5: Gender Equality, for environmental education measures as part of its Climate Action (SDG 13) and Research into partnerships for the goals under SDG 17.

This timely recognition by the Times Higher Education ushers the launch of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ) scheduled later this year. 

A significant milestone in the University’s journey towards advancing sustainable development, this unique school for the SDGs is a response to the global need for education that equips current and future activists and leaders with the knowledge and skills to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The school combines The UWI’s two decades of experience and excellence in online education with its steadfast commitment to the SDGs, making it a pioneering institution in this field.

This is The UWI’s fifth consecutive year participating in the prestigious global impact rankings. Although the University has consistently been ranked among the best in the world by THE, recognition in this niche area of SDG impact is significant as it acknowledges the intentional generation and dissemination of knowledge to support various UN goals as part of The UWI’s strategic plan.