The University of Victoria (UVic) has found itself in a familiar spot on the international rankings for sustainable development impact.
The 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings placed UVic 14th out of 2,318 institutions worldwide for its work toward implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UVic reached the pinnacle of post-secondary institutions, ascending to the No. 1 spot in Canada for climate action for the third time in four years, as well as the No. 2 spots internationally for supporting sustainable communities and underwater research.
“We all must work together to create a healthier and more resilient future. The UN Sustainable Development Goals guide the work we do at the University of Victoria and climate leadership is part of our DNA,” says Kevin Hall, UVic president and vice-chancellor. “Collaboration and perseverance are required to tackle local and global challenges, and these international rankings demonstrate how UVic leads through partnership and analytical thought.”
UVic ranked first in Canada and fifth globally for climate action, based on a history of innovation such as Ocean Networks Canada’s Solid Carbon research project – one of the most promising ocean-based carbon dioxide removal initiatives of the modern era.
UVic is ranked first in Canada and second in the world for supporting sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Initiatives such as the POLIS Wildfire Resilience Project, an action-based, interdisciplinary research team at UVic’s Centre for Global Studies, supports all levels of government, local communities, industry and civil society.
For the goal relating to life below water (SDG 14), UVic has an array of faculty leading cutting-edge research in marine environments, such as the Blue Oceans Canada project studying the ability of kelp forests to capture and store carbon as a natural climate solution. UVic tied for first in Canada and was ranked second globally for SDG 14.
“Our evolving world demands innovative strategies and solutions to support healthy, sustainable communities,” says Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic vice-president of research and innovation. “We’re proud to be recognized once again for our leadership, which includes developing integrated mitigation, adaptation and policy solutions with our partners around the world.”
In addition to the wide array of research initiatives and scholarship focused on climate action, UVic also offers hands-on climate-inspired education like the Transformative Climate Action Certificate.
