National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) achieved its best-ever performance in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings, released on June 24. NTNU rose from 301–400 last year to 101–200 globally, an improvement of approximately 200 places. The results reflect the University’s continued efforts in sustainable governance, teaching innovation, and social engagement. Three of NTNU’s United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ranked among the global top 100, with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities reaching 43rd place.
A total of 1,603 universities worldwide participated in this year’s rankings. Among the 17 SDGs, NTNU improved its ranking in 11, with three placing among the global top 100, demonstrating the University’s strengths and impact across different areas of sustainable development.
NTNU performed particularly well in SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, ranking 43rd globally. The University has long been committed to arts and culture, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Through artistic performances, cultural promotion, local revitalization, and interdisciplinary collaboration, NTNU continues to advance cultural sustainability and urban and rural development.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy also entered the global top 100, ranking 71st. In recent years, NTNU has actively promoted renewable energy development and energy management, integrating energy-saving measures with campus energy governance to build a more resilient, low-carbon campus.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions also ranked among the global top 100. NTNU integrates sustainability into university governance through transparent and comprehensive governance mechanisms while emphasizing communication and collaboration with faculty, staff, students, alumni, communities, and other stakeholders. Through information transparency, participatory governance, and diverse dialogue, the University continues to enhance the quality of its governance and social impact.
The overall THE Sustainability Impact Rankings score is calculated based on a university’s three highest-scoring SDGs together with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. NTNU’s three highest-scoring SDGs this year were SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, reflecting the University’s strong foundations in environmental conservation, sustainable governance, and social engagement.
NTNU also performed strongly in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, which is included in the calculation of the overall ranking. Through interdisciplinary, cross-sector, and international collaboration, the University continues to promote sustainable practices in areas such as adapted physical education and education for middle-aged and older adults, while strengthening partnerships with government, industry, and society to expand its sustainability impact.
NTNU has participated in assessments covering all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals over the years. With improvements in 11 SDGs this year, the results demonstrate continued progress across its sustainability initiatives and reflect the University’s comprehensive and balanced approach to sustainable development.
NTNU President Yao-Ting Sung said that the University will continue to place the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the core of its efforts, deepen sustainable governance, advance teaching and research, and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and social engagement. By working with government, industry, and society, NTNU will continue to promote sustainable development and enhance its international impact as it moves toward becoming a sustainable university that combines its educational mission, social responsibility, and global competitiveness.
