On April 3, Times Higher Education (THE) revealed the list of global leaders in the results of their new Impact rankings. Based on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed in 2016, the THE Impact ranking highlights how the higher education sector is contributing to international efforts to build a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable world. York University has placed an impressive 26th in the world and fifth in Canada.

THE University Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ SDGs. THE evaluated more than 450 universities from 77 countries in the inaugural Impact ranking.

“Universities have never been more important as catalysts for positive change. We live in a world filled with incredible innovation, but also one facing serious and complex challenges. We need globally educated citizens able to work across traditional boundaries to build their own success and the success of their communities. We are very pleased to be recognized by the THE Impact ranking as a world leader in building the multi-sector partnerships and pioneering the new educational approaches that will help meet some of society’s most urgent demands – like confronting climate change and building more inclusive and equitable communities,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton.

These rankings reflect York’s significant contributions in producing the leaders of tomorrow, advancing fundamental and applied research, and the knowledge transfer for lasting impact on creating inclusive, sustainable and prosperous communities.

York University’s 2019 THE Impact rankings:

Global ranking: York University ranked No. 26 in the world.

THE Impact ranking by the United Nations’ SDG goal: York ranked No. 25 in the world for UN SDG goal 10, “Reduced Inequality.” York ranked No. 12 in the world for UN SDG goal 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities.” York ranked No. 22 in the world for UN SDG goal 12, “Consumption and Production.” York ranked No. 14 in the world for UN SDG goal 13, “Climate Action.” York ranked No. 19 in the world for UN SDG goal 17, “Partnerships for the goals.”



York University’s global reach includes more than 300 university, industry and NGO partners in over 70 countries. These partnerships provide York students, faculty, staff and alumni with opportunities to contribute solutions to global challenges.

This year marks York’s 6oth anniversary and 60 years of making an impact. The University is a diverse and inclusive community of engaged and innovative students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners who are dedicated to making a positive impact.