UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State University announced in a statement on Thursday, June 13, that the university ranked No. 4 in the United States and No. 51 globally in the 2024 Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.
The rankings are used to assess schools using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which are global goals adopted by United Nations member states that aim to improve life for all people and protect the Earth.
The rankings were announced during the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, June 12.
“While universities across the world continue to increase their commitment to impact and sustainability, Penn State once again shows that it is a leading institution in this regard,” said Sabine Klahr, interim vice provost for Penn State Global, in a press release from the university. “We are thrilled to see so many institutions engaged in this work and proud of the faculty, staff and students that empower the University to consistently contribute to addressing global challenges.”
The Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings places Penn State in the top 2.6% of the 1,963 global higher education institutions participating this year.
Penn State is part of an international network, the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, aimed at achieving sustainable development goals through various means. The university contributes through research and policy expertise and has set an ambitious target to eliminate its greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
“This continued recognition among an increasingly competitive field reflects the University’s commitment to catalyzing and supporting efforts that align with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals,” said Lara Fowler, director of Penn State Sustainability and the University’s chief sustainability officer, in the press release.
“Our emphasis on the SDGs for reporting sustainability successes allows us to amplify dynamic work in diverse areas across the commonwealth. Penn State is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the sustainability space. Our substantial research, world-class faculty, effectual engaged scholarship, and innovative approach to interdisciplinarity and collaboration are exceptional resources in preparing the next generation of leaders to tackle these pressing global challenges.”
