University of Vaasa continues its upward trend in THE Sustainability Impact Ratings

The ranking evaluates universities globally based on how well they promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University's strongest performance was in SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), where it achieved a ranking in the 101–200 band worldwide.

The results demonstrate broad-based excellence across the University's sustainability activities, with eight of the nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) submitted by the University now ranked in the global 401–600 band or higher. 

– For a specialised university with a focused academic portfolio, this represents a particularly strong achievement and reflects the growing international impact of the University's research, education, industry collaboration and societal engagement in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, says Martin Meyer, Vice-Rector for International Affairs.

The UN’s 2030 Agenda includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals. THE Sustainability Impact Ratings (formerly known as THE Impact Rankings) measure how well universities contribute to these goals, which address global challenges such as ending poverty, reducing inequality, combating climate change, and promoting economic growth.

Key results in 2026:

• Ranked overall 401-600 globally (up from 601-800 in 2025 and 801-1000 in 2024).
• Global top 200 in Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
• Global top 400 in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
• Ranking improved to 401-600 in four SDGs: Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9).

Read the full Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 list on THE’s website.