York University ranks top 40 in the world
Global temperatures are rising and climate emergencies are becoming more frequent. Inequalities are rampant in our communities and across countless social, economic and political lines. Even our collective health, well-being and prosperity are in jeopardy with a rapidly changing landscape and the new obstacles we encounter every day.
The many immense challenges facing the world today need immensely innovative solutions. By positioning ourself at the forefront of these solutions by mobilizing boundary-pushing research and the expertise of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community, York University is affecting positive change on a broad scale both across our campuses and worldwide.
This year, York was recognized among the Top 40 in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, distinguishing ourself among 1,500+ universities as a global leader in sustainability and maintaining our position among the top 6 per cent of universities worldwide for the fourth year in a row. A key driver of this recognition is the extensive work York has done to unify the University community towards elevating our collective contributions to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
From combatting poverty in all its forms (SDG 1) through financial support for marginalized students or those in need and solving homelessness through the ground-breaking Canadian Observatory on Homelessness and Homeless Hub, to reducing inequality (SDG 10) through refugee work and international opportunities and embedding principles, practice and actions through a visionary Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Strategy, York is bringing together the ideas and bright minds needed to demonstrate strong performance across all goals.
For our work contributing to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), York ranks 12th globally. We served as a testing site for a next-generation, three-wheel electric vehicle known as SARIT (Safe, Affordable, Reliable, Innovative Transit) while providing access and opportunities to sporting initiatives for youth, bringing music, drama, and other performing arts events to the greater public and encouraging widespread alumni volunteerism.
Building upon these achievements, York has also developed new opportunities for the community to engage in sustainability, including the Microlecture Series in Sustainable Living. This open-access, interdisciplinary program invites participants to learn from York’s world-renowned academic experts on a range of compelling topics while challenging them to bring positive, sustainability-focused change to their own lives.
This recognition by Times Higher Education builds upon York’s already burgeoning impact, which has been spotlighted continuously on the global stage, including by ranking in the top five on Maclean’s 2023 University Rankings.
