Sustainable development: The University of Bologna is Italy’s leading university

For the sixth year in a row, the University of Bologna has been ranked first in Italy in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assesses the actions and contributions of universities throughout the world to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The new edition of the rankings includes 2,031 universities, 406 more than last year: a significant increase, which adds to the prestige of the ranking. The University of Bologna, ranked 67th worldwide, is the only Italian university in the top 100.

For each participating university, the ranking takes into account the measures adopted and resources allocated to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed in the UN General Assembly's Agenda 2030.

When looking at the details of the individual indicators, the University of Bologna is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, for its actions on five objectives. It is ranked 19th in the world for Business, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and fostering innovation. It is ranked 46th for Quality Education (SDG 4), the goal that measures the ability to provide quality, equitable and inclusive education and learning opportunities for all.

It also ranks 55th in the world for Gender Equality (SDG 5), which assesses attention to policies to overcome gender inequalities; 73rd for Climate Action (SDG 13), which relates to actions to combat climate change; and 74th for Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10), which measures actions to improve working conditions and redistribute resources.

"Developing society and the building of a better future must be at the heart of what universities do, which is why, among the many rankings that reward us nationally and internationally, this one gives us particular satisfaction", says Rector Giovanni Molari. "The fact that the University of Bologna is the only Italian university in the world's top one hundred clearly demonstrates the widespread commitment of our large community to issues that are fundamental to us, such as inclusive education, environmental sustainability, the promotion of human rights and the reduction of inequalities".