The University of Latvia repeatedly recognized as the Baltic leader in sustainable development

The University of Latvia (UL) has significantly improved the results in several categories of THE – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024. UL, Latvia’s leading university, has been recognized as the 78th best in the world in the category that evaluates the university’s performance in the field of peace, justice and good governance, and in three other categories it is ranked among the TOP 200 universities. Once again, UL has received the highest overall rating among the Baltic higher education institutions.

“The repeated recognition of the University of Latvia as the leading higher education institution in the Baltics in the field of sustainable development is an acknowledgment of our commitment and efforts at the international level. We emphasize the interaction of environmental, social and economic sustainability goals and their horizontal implementation in the university’s activities, and continuation of these efforts in the future. This is the proof that we implement modern approaches in promoting positive changes in society. We are pleased that our vision is highly appreciated internationally,” Renārs Kairis, chairman of the UL Eco-Council, comments on the results of the rankings.

THE Impact Rankings measure the impact of universities on society, based on the success of universities in achieving the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. It provides an insight into the work that universities invest, and provides an opportunity to highlight significant achievements of universities that are not assessed by other rankings. UL has received an assessment in 15 out of 17 categories specified in the rankings.

Among the 2 152 universities of the world evaluated in THE Rankings, UL achieved the 78^th place for its work in the field of peace, justice and good governance – promoting a peaceful and inclusive society for sustainable development. UL has entered the TOP 200 in three other categories of THE Impact Rankings 2024: gender equality (achieve gender equality and provide full opportunities for women); decent work and economic growth (encourage sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment); partnership for the goals (cooperation with other countries, promotion of good practice, data availability). This year, more than 550 new universities were included in THE rankings, and overall UL ranked 201^st–300^th.