Australia’s RMIT university has been ranked number one in the world for its efforts to reduce inequality within and among countries in the 2020 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings released recently.

It also ranked 10th overall, up from 82nd place last year.

Now in their second year, the rankings are designed to showcase progress with respect to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by measuring universities’ social and economic impacts.

“The Sustainable Development Goals enable us to ignite change and focus our collective efforts towards creating a more sustainable world,” Martin Bean, vice chancellor of RMIT, said.

“By uniting the passion and purpose of the RMIT community, and through our combined expertise, we can make a real and positive contribution.”

RMIT ranked fifth for decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), up 48 places, and 12th for clean water and sanitation (SDG 6).

RMIT’s improvements in 2020 can be attributed to its work to address SDGs through partnerships and initiatives in the areas of social justice, inclusion, environmental management, and operational practices.

Founded in 1887, RMIT is a multi-sector university with more than 94,000 students and 12,000 staff globally.

This year, it is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Viet Nam. — VNS