SE Valley Times

Arizona State University (ASU) has been recognized for its commitment to addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), maintaining its No. 1 spot in the United States and a top-10 ranking globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for the fifth consecutive year. ASU also ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for 11 out of the 17 SDGs.

The rankings highlight ASU’s advancements in areas such as ocean health, biodiversity, water security, food systems, and sustainable economic development. The university ranked ahead of Michigan State University, Penn State University, and MIT domestically, and Monash University, Université de Montréal, and University of Edinburgh internationally.

“ASU’s repeated top ranking is more than a point of pride; it is proof of our unwavering commitment to creating the change we want to see in the world,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “As a 21st-century university dedicated to finding solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, our ranking reflects our priorities and progress in areas that demand urgent attention.”

Peter Schlosser, vice president and vice provost of Global Futures at ASU, emphasized that their Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory is designed to secure a future for all inhabitants on a healthy planet. “We live in a decisive decade with respect to the decisions we make concerning a sustainable future of our world characterized by innovation, economic growth and opportunity,” Schlosser stated.

ASU's notable rankings include:

- No. 1 globally for SDG 14 (Life Below Water), surpassing North Carolina State University, Penn State University, and the University of Georgia.

- No. 2 globally for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), ahead of Michigan State University, Penn State University, and MIT.

- No. 3 globally for SDG 15 (Life on Land), outperforming Penn State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Maryland.

The recognition follows significant developments such as launching new degrees within its School of Ocean Futures starting fall 2024 and celebrating past achievements with institutions like ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.

Nancy Gonzales, executive vice president and university provost at ASU noted: “This updated ranking speaks to ASU’s unique ability to equip our large network of students with skills needed in subjects like sustainability thinking so that they can not only understand the challenges of our time but feel informed and empowered to make an impact.”

For more information about ASU's efforts across all SDGs visit sdgimpact.asu.edu.

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