2023 THE Impact Rankings: Ateneo still top Philippine university in terms of real-world impact

For the third year in a row, Ateneo de Manila University continues to shine in the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, as results were revealed on Thursday, 1 June 2023. 

The THE Impact Rankings measures and assesses universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These metrics are based on research output, outreach, teaching, and stewardship programs. It has been released annually since 2019 by the international higher education publication Times Higher Education, and with a total of 1,591 universities across 104 countries and regions taking part this year. 29 Philippine universities are included in the ranking this year.

Overall, Ateneo de Manila scored 79.1 out of 100 and ranked 201–300 out of 1,591 institutions globally. Among Philippine universities that participated (both public and private), it ranks first.

Ateneo participated in all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, excelling particularly in five: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 (No Poverty), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). 

• SDG 1 - No Poverty: Rank 101–200
• SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: 68 
• SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy: 101–200
• SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities: 101–200
• SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: 55 

The rest of the SGDs are ranked as follows:

• SDG 2 - Zero Hunger: Rank 301–400
• SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being: 301–400
• SDG 4 - Quality Education: 800–1000
• SDG 5 - Gender Equality: 401–600
• SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth: 601–800 
• SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: 601–800
• SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities: 401–600
• SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production: 301–400
• SDG 13 - Climate Action: 401–600
• SDG 14 - Life Below Water: 201–300
• SDG 15 - Life on Land: 201–300
• SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals: 800–1000

Part of Ateneo de Manila’s mission has always been to remain engaged with the wider world; across its units, the University has a variety of programs in s​​ustainability, environment, socio-political engagement, and addressing inequalities. 

Fr Roberto Yap SJ, University President, says of the rankings: “Ateneo is once again honored to be recognized by Times Higher Education for our efforts to make a real-world impact. Thanks to the work of our entire community from students to staff, administrators and faculty, and even our alumni and parents - every single day we are  helping build a more sustainable present and future, as outlined in our Lux In Domino 2030 strategic plan."

The SDGs were first set in 2015 by the United Nations in order to achieve “a better and more sustainable future for all.” Also called the Global Goals, the SDGs are 17 interlinked aims that are “urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.”

The Sustainable Development Goals are a core part of Ateneo de Manila’s Lux in Domino University Strategic Plan 2021-2030. It aims to respond to some of society’s most urgent and most complex problems, all while rooted in its commitment to liberal education and holistic formation, and its uniquely Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit identity.

"As we pursue our goal of helping make the UN SDGs a reality, and on our path to becoming a Laudato Si' University, our entire community will always aim to become a force for good in our world,” Yap added.

In 2022, Ateneo was ranked in the 101-200 bracket (out of 1,406 institutions worldwide); in 2021, the first year the school participated, it was in the 201-300 bracket (in a field of 1,115 schools).

The THE Impact Rankings is one of the different university ranking tables released by Times Higher Education. Its primary rankings is the THE World University Rankings. In the 2023 edition released October 2022, Ateneo was ranked in the 351-400 bracket in its debut in the table.

The full rankings and methodology of the THE Impact Rankings can be accessed at the THE website.