UPF, 29th university in the world for impact in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Contra el genocidi i contra la violació dels drets humans, a Gaza i arreu del món
Peace comes when you talk to the person you most hate. And that’s where the courage of a leader comes.
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021), first recipient of an honorary doctorate from UPF
These words, spoken by Desmond Tutu, the first person ever to be awarded an honorary doctorate by UPF, are more applicable today than ever. The UPF condemns, and will always condemn, the use of violence to settle disputes. At UPF, we advocate approaching political or territorial conflicts based on dialogue and respect for all peoples and minorities.
As a university, we also want to show our support to the academic community in countries at war. Universities and scientific institutions are more necessary than ever in these regions. Access to education and the promotion of critical thinking, in the context of strong independent institutions, are the way to ensure the informed debate and reflection that can open the door to new avenues for finding solutions.
At UPF, we are aware of the university community’s concern for the human rights violations we are seeing in the conflicts around us. That is why on this website you will find information about campaigns and actions related to current conflicts, as well as opinion pieces and institutional statements. We also offer a dedicated e-mail address – [email protected] – to contact the university and let us know about your interests and concerns.
UPF, 29th university in the world for impact in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
UPF, 29th university in the world for impact in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The new ranking, compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), assesses the activity of more than 500 universities in eleven of the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The results of UPF for the SDG stand out in the promotion of gender equality (8th in the world); reduced inequalities (16th), and quality education (35th).
Today, Times Higher Education announced the results of the 2019 THE University Impact Rankings, which assess the impact of the activities of universities in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The ranking was drawn up from the analysis of the activity of universities in eleven of the seventeen SDG, although Times Higher Education sources say they expect to increase the number of SDG assessed in future editions.
In this first edition, which involved more than 500 universities in 75 countries, UPF is ranked 29th in the world. In addition, it ranks as the top university in the Spanish State and 15th in Europe.
The ranking was drawn up from the analysis of the activity of universities in eleven of the seventeen SDG, although Times Higher Education sources say they expect to increase the number of SDG assessed in future editions.
In this first edition, which involved more than 500 universities in 75 countries, UPF is ranks 29th in the world. In addition, it ranks as the top university in the Spanish State and 15th in Europe.
To participate in the 2019 THE University Impact Rankings, each university had to submit its candidacy with at least three SDG in addition to SDG number 17, which is compulsory for all institutions. With these data, Times Higher Education has developed two types of classifications: a global one (constructed from the results of the university in the three SDG for which it obtained the best results) and the specific rankings for each SDG.
UPF presented its candidature in six of the eleven SDG evaluated. The SDG with the highest participation were number 4, quality education (over 450 universities), and number 3, health and well-being (over 420 universities). The following table shows a breakdown of the results in each field.
| SDG Number | Sustainable Development Goal | World position |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Good health and well-being | 101-200 (421) |
| 4 | Quality education | 35 (453) |
| 5 | Gender equality | 8 (336) |
| 8 | Decent work and economic growth | np |
| 9 | Industry, innovation and infrastructure | 101-200 (338) |
| 10 | Reduced inequality | 16 (275) |
| 11 | Sustainable cities and communities | np |
| 12 | Responsible consumption and production | np |
| 13 | Climate action | np |
| 16 | Peace, justice and strong institutions | np |
| 17 | Partnerships to achieve the goal | 23 (487) |
np = UPF has not submitted its candidacy in this SDG
In brackets, the total number of universities that have submitted their candidacy for the SDG
A ranking to showcase the commitment of universities to achieving the SDG
According to THE, the creation of this new ranking reflects the need to “show how the higher education sector is working to build and make possible the objectives set by the United Nations”, as well as being an opportunity to highlight the activity of an institution in areas not covered by other classifications. Thus, according to THE, “the inclusion of an institution in this ranking is, in itself, a great success and showcases the university as a global pioneer player, demonstrating the commitment of the institution to the SDG, not only through teaching, research and knowledge transfer; but also through the institution’s internal practices, policies and procedures”.
The evaluation of each SDG has included a wide range of qualitative and quantitative indicators, provided by the University itself and other external sources, such as Elsevier, a partner of THE for the supply of bibliometric and scientific output data. A key element of the evaluation consisted of each university having to certify the accuracy of the information provided via links to documents, websites or other public information; cases where reliability of the information provided could not be proved were liable to penalization.
Related Assets
Catalan government
Catalan development cooperation aims to help prevent and respond to emergency situations. This page explains how you can collaborate on the provision of foreign aid both in general and to specific regions.
European Commission
Through cooperation and assistance programmes, the European Commission offers humanitarian aid and coordinates efforts with other international actors to promote peace and stability in war-torn regions.
Oxfam Intermón
Oxfam Intermón works in 90 countries. They have launched a fundraising campaign, which is more necessary than ever, given the magnitude of today’s wars. The NGO is also sponsoring a campaign to collect signatures to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is a medical-humanitarian action organization that provides assistance in 70 countries to people threatened by armed conflicts, violence, epidemics or neglected diseases, natural disasters and exclusion from medical care. They have also promoted a campaign to collect signatures to ask for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Red Cross
The Red Cross also provides emergency humanitarian aid in regions in crisis.
Legal Clinic
The UPF Legal Clinic regularly holds talks and roundtables on the protection of human rights in crisis regions.
Libraries Without Borders
The Libraries Without Borders programme, sponsored by the Catalan Development Cooperation Agency (ACCD), offers Catalan public library patrons knowledge and insight into situations of human rights violations and provides resources to take action.
Council for At-Risk Academics
The Council for At-Risk Academics, in partnership with universities and higher education institutions, provides urgently-needed help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile, and many who choose to work on in their home countries despite serious risks.