A total of 31 Arab League universities from 11 territories claim a combined 72 top 100 positions across the 18 rankings tables, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2021.  

Among the notable results are Saudi Arabia’s Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University coming first in the world for action towards SDG5 (Gender Equality) and King Abdulaziz University taking third place in the world for SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Lebanon’s American University of Beirut is fourth globally for SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals), Egypt’s Aswan University finishes 8th in the world for SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and Morocco’s Ibn Tofaïl University comes 9th globally for SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Arab League universities claim at least one top 100 spot in the world for each of the 17 individual SDGs, including an impressive 11 for SDG4 (Quality Education), seven for SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and six for SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Phil Baty, Chief Knowledge Officer, THE, commented: “It is clear from the THE Impact Rankings 2021 just how important universities across the Arab League are in working towards a sustainable world. This is an incredibly diverse ranking where participation is as important as ranking position in demonstrating the active steps being taken by universities to support sustainability.

“Universities from Arab League territories have come out in force to demonstrate the vital role they are playing locally, regionally and globally, with some impressive results that show they are helping lead the world in achieving the SDGs. It is great to see the efforts and success across the region in creating happier, healthier societies and a more sustainable planet.” – TradeArabia News Service