The Fiji National University has for the first time been ranked in the Times Higher Education Impact rankings that measure an institution’s research, outreach, teaching and stewardship against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
FNU was one of 1,525 institutions across 110 countries/regions worldwide to participate in the impact rankings for 2022. The Impact rankings measure how an institution’s research, stewardship, outreach and teaching deliver against the UN SDGs – a blueprint to achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.
The 17 goals encompass strategies to improve health and education, improve inequality, and spur economic growth while tackling climate change and preserving our natural environment.
All institutions that enter the Times Higher Education ranking must submit for SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals which explores how universities teach the next generation to adopt sustainability and the institution’s best three SDGs.
FNU opted for 3 additional SDGs as part of its 2022 submission, which were SDG 3 Good Health and Well-Being (ranked 301-400 out of 1,101 institutions), SDG 15 Life on Land (ranked 201-300 out of 521 institutions) and SDG 13 Climate Action (ranked 401-600 out of 674 institutions).
The University’s sustainability targets include net zero emissions by 2050, divert 25% of waste from landfill by 2026, 20% percent reduction in potable water use by 2026, introduction of sustainable procurement practices to reduce waste and increase social sustainability.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr William May says FNU achieved a rank of 801-1000 and this is indeed a great achievement for the university given it is the first time they had entered the rankings.
Dr May says this is an excellent start, and they can now benchmark themselves against similar Universities from around the world who have been participating in the rankings for a number of years.
He adds FNU’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026 outlines the university’s deep commitment to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to developing cost-effective, scalable solutions aimed at sustainability, resilience and climate change adaptation, in support of the objectives outlined in Fiji’s Climate Change Bill.
