UCC Ranked as World Leader For Social and Economic Impact
University College Cork (UCC) has been ranked as one of the leading universities in the world for social and economic impact, in the inaugural 2019 Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact rankings.
Over 500 institutions, from 75 countries, across six continents, submitted data to be analysed on their success in contributing towards the delivery of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals that seek to develop the world in a sustainable manner. UCC was ranked 21st in the world, placing it as Ireland’s leading university that is working towards the development of the world in a sustainable way.
UCC was ranked number 1 in the world for its work in assisting the UN goal of ‘responsible consumption and production’. The transition to sustainable consumption and production of goods and services is necessary to reduce negative impacts on our climate and environment, and on people’s health.
UCC was also ranked number 1 in Ireland for working towards the UN goal of ‘peace, justice and strong institutions’ (12th globally) and number 3 in Ireland (21st globally) for its contribution towards the UN goal of ‘good health and well-being.’ The UN’s sustainable development goals were adopted by the UN in 2016 and provide a framework for developing the world in a sustainable manner.
Commenting Professor Patrick O’Shea, President of UCC, stated: “UCC’s impact on society is both deep and broad. The UN sustainable development goals are imbedded in our strategic plan and academic strategy. Our mission is to benefit our community and these rankings today highlight the significant contribution that an Irish university is making towards ensuring we create a sustainable future for all. ”
“An Irish university being recognised as a world leader towards creating a sustainable future is good news for UCC and for Ireland,” said Professor John O’Halloran, Deputy President & Registrar, UCC. “This recognition is an outcome of the significant work of our staff and students over many years. This university community here in Cork, engages in a tremendous amount of work to benefit our society.”
UCC has a consistent record of been recognised as an international leader in sustainability. It is the only university in Ireland to make the top 10 in the UI GreenMetric World University 2018 ranking of the ‘greenest’ universities in the world, and UCC also holds a gold star rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Later this month experts from more than 30 countries will gather at UCC for a major international sustainability conference.
