La Trobe placed second in the world for both gender equality and for decent work and economic growth, and fifth for good health and wellbeing. The University chose to be assessed against 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and was ranked in the top 100 for all but one category, and in the top 25 per cent for all categories.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said the rankings were an outstanding endorsement of the University’s commitment to improving quality of life, health outcomes and the environment through high-impact research, teaching innovation and meaningful partnerships on a local, national and global scale.
“These impressive rankings reflect how closely La Trobe’s values and ambitions resonate with important global issues and the very real work we are doing to align with and advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” Professor Dewar said.
“Coming first in the world for protecting life on land highlights La Trobe’s leading role in investigating better ways to produce high-quality foods and medicines while reducing environmental impact and restoring vulnerable ecosystems.
“Beyond our research focus and teaching, we are following through on that commitment with a range of initiatives such as solar power generation and improved energy efficiency which are ensuring that all La Trobe campuses achieve Net Zero by 2030.”
Professor Dewar said La Trobe was also immensely proud of its strong and long-term commitment to achieving gender equality.
“Coming first in Australia and second in the world for gender equality reflects our proven track record and ongoing commitment to recruiting women to senior leadership roles, and to making higher education more accessible to women.”
Snapshot of La Trobe’s rankings for contribution to the UN SDGs
* 4th overall, retaining last year’s rank
* 1st for Life on Land
* 2nd for Gender Equality (first in Australia)
* 2nd for Decent Work and Economic Growth
* 5th for Good Health and Wellbeing
* 20 for Clean Water and Sanitation
* 26 for Partnership for the Goals
* =27 for Affordable and Clean Energy
* 34 for Responsible Consumption and Production
* =34 for Sustainable Cities and Communities
* 52 for Life Below Water
* 53 for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
* =83 for Quality Education
* 84 for Climate Action
* 101-200 for Reduced Inequalities
About the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
The Times Higher Education Impact rankings, now in their third year, scored 1115 higher education institutions in each of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More information and La Trobe University’s performance can be found on the THE website.
About the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, calling for action in a global partnership. The SDGs – to be achieved by 2030 – recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with improving health and education, reducing inequality, and encouraging economic growth, while also tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests.
Media Contact: Kathryn Powley | k.powley@latrobe.edu.au | 0456 764 371
