York University launched its University Academic Plan (UAP) Building a Better Future 2020-2025 to challenge the university community to elevate York's contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Now in its fourth year, the UAP continues to serve a blueprint for action, positioning York as an agent of positive change in a world facing a convergence of unprecedented trials from climate change, global pandemics, poverty, systemic inequality and political polarization.
Click on the icons below to learn how York University is contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Top 2%
of universities worldwide
for 3 years in a row
35th
globally out of 1,963 universities,
9th in Canada
1st
in the Canada, 2nd in the Canada for SDG 1, No Poverty
1st
in Canada, 33rd in the world for SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities
4th
in Canada, 13th in the world for SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities
3rd
in Canada, 30th in the world for SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production
6th
in Canada, 44th in the world for SDG 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
3rd
in Canada, 35th in the world for SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals
12
consecutive years as one of Canada’s top 100 greenest employers
4.4B
in contributions to Ontario economy
16,000+
students who are first in their family to attend university
400+
global partnerships in 60+ countries
York University proudly stands as a global leader in sustainability, recognized among the top 35 institutions worldwide for advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Our commitment to sustainability is embodied through groundbreaking research, inclusive educational practices, and impactful partnerships that transcend borders and disciplines. Together, our students, faculty, course instructors, alumni and staff are sparking positive change, ensuring our collective efforts contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
— Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor
Recognized for Global Excellence in Social Progress
York University is recognized in Canada and around the world for its tremendous social and economic impact in its local and global communities.
York University serves as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG Hub Chair for SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities for the term 2025-2027. As UNAI Hub Chair contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by utilizing academic research, teaching, and outreach activities aligned with the SDGs. Learn more.
Other recognitions of York's institutional commitment to the SDGs include being featured in Canada's 2023 SDG Voluntary National Review (VNR) - the annual national reporting mechanism. In the 2023 VNR, York's actions, including the Decolonizing, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2022-27, the Framework to Address Anti-Black Racism, and the Indigenous Framework, was highlight as representing a national best in promoting equity and inclusion.
In 2024, York was also featured in Canada’s 2024 Annual Report on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals for action towards SDG 1 (No Poverty). Homelessness Learning Hub, developed by the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness based at York University, is nationally regarded as an important resource for the homeless-serving sector across Canada. The Hub is a free, self-directed online platform that brings together promising practices and training in the form of practical tools and resources.
