Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) emerged as the top performer in the Philippines according to the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which evaluate universities’ contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs are a set of international goals aimed at tackling global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. 

THE noted that universities like ADMU “demonstrate comprehensive excellence in contributing to global sustainable development.”

ADMU landed in the 201-300 bracket overall, but particularly shone in specific SDG categories. 

These included clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), peace, justice,m and strong institutions (SDG 16) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

De La Salle University, Ifugao State University, and the University of the Philippines all placed second in the country, within the 601-800 bracket. 

Additionally, Batangas State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Saint Louis University, and the University of Santo Tomas placed third highest in the country and were ranked in the same bracket, signifying their contributions to sustainability efforts.

This recognition highlights the growing focus on sustainability within Philippine higher education. 

The 2024 rankings encompassed 2,152 universities from 125 countries and regions. 

The THE is a British magazine focused on higher education news, data, and analysis.