In June 2020, York University launched a University Academic Plan 2020-2025 (UAP), which included an institutional challenge to strengthen York’s contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The UAP serves as a blueprint for York University as an agent of positive change in a world facing a convergence of unprecedented crises from pandemics, to climate change, 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 2 years in a row
40th
globally out of 1,591 universities,
9th in Canada
7th
in Canada, 21th in the world for SDG 1, No Poverty
2nd
in Canada, 25th in the world for SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities
4th
in Canada, 12th in the world for SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities
4th
in Canada, 46th in the world for SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production
7th
in Canada, 54th in the world for SDG 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
11th
in Canada, 67th in the world for SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals
11
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
300+
global partnerships in 60+ countries
York’s place in the world as a global sustainability leader is evident in the growing impact that our students, staff, faculty and course directors are having through a shared commitment to inclusive excellence, strong local and global partnerships, pedagogical innovation inside and outside of the classroom; and the intensification of our research and creative activities, expanded entrepreneurship activities, knowledge mobilization and innovation. The difference we are making advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demonstrates how individual and collective efforts can change the world.
— Rhonda Lenton
President and Vice-Chancellor
