In June 2020, York University launched its new University Academic Plan 2020-2025 (UAP), which included a university-wide challenge to elevate York’s contributions to the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The new UAP serves as a blueprint for action, positioning York University as an agent of positive change in a world facing a convergence of unprecedented trials from climate change, a global pandemic, racism and xenophobia, poverty and inequality. York University’s new UAP is a rallying call for students, faculty and staff to bring their expertise from across disciplines to work together to build new tools and develop strategies and solutions to global challenges.
It is inspiring to see how our faculty, course directors, staff and students are taking action to embed the UN Sustainable Development Goals in their work as we further our commitment to contributing to positive change on a local and global level.
— Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor


Top 35
in the world out of 1,406 universities
Top 10
in the world for SDG 11 for Sustainable Cities and Communities
Top 10
in the world for SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
#1
in Canada for SDG 5, Gender Equality

Canada’s Top 100 employers for 10 consecutive years
10 consecutive years

10,839+
students are first in their family to attend university

$4.4B
contributions to Ontario economy

300+
global partnerships in 60+ countries