UWC Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a leader in research and innovation on the continent, which is reflected in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.
THE uses the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a measurement framework, but institutions must submit data on only four SDGs to be inclusively ranked on the overall table.
UWC has maintained a stable presence in the 401-600 global ranking category since 2021. The University’s overall score has been on an upward trend, rising from 63.4 in 2021 to 72.2 in 2024.
This is a reflection of the continuous improvements in UWC’s contributions to sustainable development.
UWC Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation, Prof José Frantz, said: “It is important to note that the impact of UWC’s research extends beyond the rankings themselves. The University’s commitment to engaged scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement are crucial in addressing complex societal challenges.”
She added: “By fostering partnerships with communities, industry, and other stakeholders, UWC is ensuring that its research is relevant, impactful and responsive to the needs of local and global contexts.”
SDG-Specific Highlights in 2024
SDG 1: No Poverty – UWC has maintained a commendable rank within the 101-200 range, showcasing its ongoing commitment to poverty reduction.
SDG 4: Quality Education – The sustained ranking within the 201-300 bracket highlights UWC’s dedication to providing high-quality education.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – UWC’s ranking in this category has remained strong, consistently within the top 200 (101-200 range) from 2021 to 2024. This reflects the University’s continued commitment to fostering equity and inclusion within and beyond the UWC community.
SDG 17: Partnerships for Goals – A significant improvement in the 201-300 range highlights UWC’s effective partnerships and collaborations to advance sustainable development.