University is key contributor to UN's global ambitions

The UN’s goals are a blueprint to achieve a more sustainable future and address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, and peace and justice.

A new set of rankings places Durham in the world top 50 in four SDGs: Sustainable Cities and Communities; Responsible Consumption and Production; Life on Land; and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings also put Durham in the world top 100 in another seven SDGs: Reduced Inequalities, No Poverty, Life Below Water, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Climate Action, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Zero Hunger.

Durham Castle and Cathedral

The rankings rate 766 universities from 85 countries, judging them on research, outreach and stewardship to measure their social and economic impact in relation to SDGs. Globally, Durham ranked in the 101-200 bracket.

Highlights at Durham include:

• Research by the award-winning Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre that has helped reduce rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) through evidence-based advice for health professionals and parents;
• The ROBUST project to regenerate former industrial brownfield sites by improving soil health and flood resilience leading to an improvement in community health and wellbeing;
• Management, together with Durham Cathedral, of the City’s UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes Durham Castle, home to University College, and the Special Collections and exhibition space at the University’s Palace Green Library;
• Helping to further the advancement of women in peace mediation through the work of Durham Law School;
• The Greenspace initiative which is developing the environmental sustainability of the University including policies on travel, energy use, waste and fair trade.

Helping to further the advancement of women in peace mediation through the work of Durham Law School

In addition PhD students in the Durham University Global Challenges Centre for Doctoral Training are working to solve specific global challenges linked to the United Nations’ SDGs.

Durham is recognised as one of the world’s leading universities with students and staff from more than 130 countries.

Professor Claire O’Malley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global), at Durham University, said: “Durham is an international university attracting students and staff from around the world and conducting leading edge research that has benefits across the globe.

“It’s important that we support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to ensure both the future sustainability of Durham and the wider community, while also helping to tackle some of the challenges faced by the planet.

“These rankings show that we are continuing to be a key contributor to international and national research and innovation while playing an important part in the future of our region as we work towards improved global sustainability.”