ITU Enters World Ranking for Sustainable Development Goals

Times Higher Education, a leading global university ranking organization, measured the level at which universities worldwide are achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Istanbul Technical University (ITU) ranked 24th globally in the "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure" category while securing 1st place in Turkey. In the "Quality Education" category, it ranked 48th globally and 2nd in Turkey. ITU ranks among the top 50 universities globally in two categories Times Higher Education (THE), one of the world's leading higher education ranking organizations, released the results of its research on the United Nations' seventeen fundamental global challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals proposed as solutions. According to THE's rankings, in a list evaluating approximately 1,200 universities worldwide, ITU ranked 24th globally in Goal 9 "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure" while leading in Turkey. In Goal 4 "Quality Education," it achieved 48th place in the global rankings while ranking 2nd in Turkey, marking a significant achievement. Additionally, it made substantial progress in Goal 7 "Affordable and Clean Energy" and Target 17 "Partnerships for the Goals."

2021 was a "breakthrough year" for ITU

According to Times Higher Education's (THE) Impact Rankings, last year ITU's overall score was at the 601+ level among world universities based on alignment with the United Nations' "Sustainable Development Goals," but this year it achieved a major leap, placing itself in the 101-200 band. With this rise in rankings, ITU recorded a significant achievement. Alongside "Quality Education" and "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure"—the areas where ITU achieved its greatest success—the university placed in the 101-200 band across a total of six areas, and in the average ranking for all goals, it again ranked in the top 200. As a result, it achieved significant success as the highest-ranked university from Turkey.

We rank in the 101-200 band across six areas

In an assessment of 2021 world university rankings, ITU Faculty Member and Chair of the International Rankings Commission Assoc. Prof. Hale Özgün made the following evaluation regarding ITU's success: "The Times Higher Education (THE) 2021 Impact Rankings is a highly important indicator that evaluates the success of universities worldwide in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals through their activities related to societal, environmental and social development. This year, our university applied in 17 different areas covering all categories in the THE Impact Rankings. Following the evaluation process in which supporting evidence was presented for all areas to which we applied, we ranked in the 101-200 band globally across six areas in total, while achieving 24th place in one area and 48th in another. By ranking within the top 50 globally and top 25 in "Quality Education" and "Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure," ITU proved itself to be one of the world's most respected universities, providing excellent education and establishing multi-faceted industrial partnerships. We believe that the success achieved by our university will continue with increasing momentum in the coming years."

What are the Sustainable Development Goals?

The "Sustainable Development Goals" established by the United Nations include objectives determined in key areas encompassing poverty reduction worldwide, structuring democratic governance and peace, climate change and disaster risk, and economic inequality. The Sustainable Development Goals are: No Poverty; Zero Hunger; Good Health and Well-Being; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Clean Water and Sanitation; Affordable and Clean Energy; Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequalities; Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Climate Action; Life Below Water; Life on Land; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; and Partnerships for the Goals. It came into force in January 2016 under the United Nations umbrella and aims to achieve meaningful progress on the seventeen targets set by 2030. Through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) created to implement the seventeen goals, the UN supports governments in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into their own national development plans and policies. Operating as the United Nations' development agency, UNDP carries out its work in more than 170 countries and regions.