Over the past few decades, university rankings have become an increasingly important factor in the higher education sector. Universities are ranked based on various criteria such as research output, teaching quality, and graduate employability. However, there is a growing movement to incorporate sustainability and social impact into the ranking process. The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda provide a framework for this effort.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are a set of 17 global goals and 169 targets adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. The SDGs and the 2030 Agenda aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all people, while also taking into account the specific needs of developing countries.

Using the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as performance indicators in university ranking can provide a more holistic and comprehensive assessment of a university’s impact. It allows universities to be evaluated not only on their academic achievements, but also on their contributions to sustainable development and social impact.

There are several ways in which universities can integrate the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda into their ranking systems. One approach is to create a separate ranking system that focuses specifically on sustainability and social impact. This could include criteria such as the university’s carbon footprint, water use, and waste management practices. Another approach is to incorporate the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda into existing ranking systems by including them as additional criteria alongside traditional measures such as research output and teaching quality.

There are several benefits to using the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as performance indicators in university ranking. First, it encourages universities to prioritize sustainability and social impact in their operations and decision-making. By integrating the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda into the ranking process, universities are motivated to take action on these issues and to demonstrate their progress and impact. This can lead to more sustainable and socially responsible practices, which can have positive impacts on the environment and local communities.

Second, using the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as performance indicators allows for a more accurate assessment of a university’s overall impact. Traditional ranking systems often only consider a narrow set of metrics, such as research output and teaching quality. By including the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, universities can be evaluated on a wider range of factors that reflect their overall impact on society and the environment.

Third, using the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as performance indicators can help to promote transparency and accountability in the higher education sector. Universities are required to report on their progress and impact in relation to the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. This information can be made available to the public, allowing stakeholders to see how well universities are meeting these goals and taking action on sustainable development and social impact.

There are also some challenges to using the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as performance indicators in university ranking. One challenge is that it can be difficult to measure and compare the progress and impact of universities on these issues. The SDGs and the 2030 Agenda cover a wide range of issues, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to measuring progress and impact. This requires a nuanced and multi-faceted approach to ranking, which can be complex and time-consuming.

However, there are also some challenges and limitations to using the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as a performance indicator in university ranking systems. One challenge is the lack of a standardized framework for measuring and reporting on the progress of universities towards achieving the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda. While there are a number of tools and resources available for universities to measure their progress, there is currently no single, universally accepted method for doing so.

Another challenge is that there may be a lack of consensus on the specific criteria and weightings to be used in the ranking process.

HE Higher Education Ranking has focused on the importance of using UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, and made a specific criteria for this purpose.

Despite these challenges, the trend towards using the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as a performance indicator in university ranking systems is likely to continue. As the global community increasingly recognizes the importance of sustainability and social responsibility, it is likely that universities will come under greater pressure to demonstrate their commitment to these values. By using the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as a performance indicator, universities can not only contribute to the global efforts to achieve sustainable development, but also distinguish themselves in a highly competitive higher education landscape.