U. Andrés Bello in the Top 1 in Chile in Times Higher Education’s Impact Ranking

The international report University Impact Rankings University Andrés Bello first in Chile for its contribution to fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2024, UNAB’s first place was shared with Universidad Católica and Universidad del Desarrollo. In addition, the institution ranked 201-300 worldwide.

This recognized ranking measured 2,152 universities in 125 countries, representing 561 more institutions than last year.

«Once again, and for the fourth consecutive year, Universidad Andrés Bello stands out among the best in Chile in this prestigious international ranking,» said UNAB President Julio Castro, adding:

“This recognition is the result of the entire community’s effort and the institution’s constant commitment to achieving high standards, not only in educational quality but also in our relationship to our environment and contribution to its sustainable development.”

The ranking prepared by Times Higher Education measures the contribution of universities worldwide in fulfilling the SDGs and addresses the university’s work through teaching, management, outreach, and research. The United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals, among which are gender equality, quality education, clean water and sanitation, responsible production and consumption, underwater life, and affordable and non-polluting energy.

UNAB Leads Impact Rankings in Chile

Once again, UNAB measured its contribution to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of these, the university ranked number one in Chile for seven of them: poverty, health and well-being, clean energy, responsible consumption, climate action, terrestrial ecosystems, and partnerships for sustainable development.

In addition, UNAB was positioned within the top 100 worldwide in the SDGs of poverty eradication, energy, climate action, underwater life, and terrestrial ecosystems.

«This publication recognizes something that today mobilizes our entire research system at UNAB; we generate knowledge on topics that contribute to society. The UN SDGs are not just a declaration, they mobilize behavior for institutions to promote the changes needed for a sustainable global future. Therefore, generating knowledge about these is a responsibility we take very seriously as a university,» explained Carolina Torrealba, Dean of Research and Doctoral Studies at UNAB.

In addition, of the 17 SDGs measured, the University ranked in the top 5 in 14 of them, reflecting its transversality in this area.

«It is good news to be among the best in Chile, especially being aware that more higher education institutions are interested in demonstrating their contribution to the SDGs every year. Maintaining a position of leadership at the national level or even being relevant at the international level is remarkable for our entire university community,» said Héctor Hidalgo, UNAB’s General Director of Outreach.

It should also be noted that the university recently announced its carbon neutrality strategy, which aims to achieve zero emissions by 2038, 12 years earlier than Chile’s goal.

To carry out this strategy, the university is committed to a detailed work plan that includes all areas of operation, ranging from reducing energy consumption, promoting sustainable transportation, reducing emissions, offsetting emissions, and generating knowledge in areas that contribute to the country’s sustainable development.