Walailak University Rises to No.1 Globally for SDG5 Gender Equality and Secures Top 50 Rankings in Six SDGs in THE Impact Rankings 2025, Reflecting Its Commitment to Global Sustainability

On the morning of June 18, 2025, Times Higher Education (THE) released the results of the THE Impact Rankings 2025, which assess universities worldwide based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, 2,526 universities from 130 countries participated, including 83 institutions from Thailand.

Walailak University made a remarkable leap, entering the Top 100 universities globally, ranked 93rd in the world and 5th in Thailand—its highest position ever in these rankings. Most notably, the university achieved the No.1 global ranking for SDG5: Gender Equality, scoring 85 out of 100 points. This recognition reflects Walailak’s outstanding efforts in promoting gender equality through leadership representation, teaching, research, and inclusive policies in education and employment.

In addition to SDG5, Walailak University ranked in the Top 50 globally in five other SDGs:

• SDG2: Zero Hunger – 32nd globally, 2nd in Thailand
• SDG3: Good Health and Well-being – 33rd globally, 3rd in Thailand
• SDG14: Life Below Water – 38th globally, 3rd in Thailand
• SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals – 39th globally, 4th in Thailand
• SDG4: Quality Education – 50th globally, 3rd in Thailand

Additional strong performances included:

• SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation – 54th globally, 2nd in Thailand
• SDG11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – 76th globally, 4th in Thailand

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, emphasized the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development in alignment with the UN SDGs. From being ranked in the 601–800 range in 2022, Walailak advanced to the 101–200 range last year and now proudly stands among the Top 100 globally. He expressed confidence that the university will continue to improve its ranking through persistent efforts and dedication.

The THE Impact Rankings evaluate universities across four key dimensions:

1. Research
2. Stewardship – internal policies and practices
3. Outreach – engagement with local, regional, and global communities
4. Teaching

This year, Western Sydney University in Australia was ranked No.1 globally, while Chulalongkorn University and Chiang Mai University shared the top spot among Thai institutions.

Source of information and news images: Walailak University website