Ateneo de Manila University has once again secured its position as the Philippines’ top-performing university in terms of sustainable development, according to the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.
The prestigious rankings assess how universities worldwide align their work with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among 2,526 institutions from 130 countries, Ateneo moved up to the 101–200 bracket globally—an improvement from its previous placement in the 201–300 range.
Ateneo earned strong marks across several key SDG categories, including No Poverty (SDG 1), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), all of which it ranked in the 101–200 band.
The report also highlighted the growing momentum of universities in East and Southeast Asia in advancing sustainable practices. Reflecting this trend, a record-breaking 120 Philippine universities were recognized in this year’s rankings—more than double the 56 that made the list in 2024. The Philippines also emerged as the highest-ranking country in Southeast Asia for SDG-driven education.
Sharing second place nationally and falling within the 401–600 global range were the University of the Philippines, Isabela State University, and Batangas State University.
Meanwhile, universities that ranked in the 601–800 band included Caraga State University, Ifugao State University, Leyte Normal University, Mariano Marcos State University, Saint Louis University, and the University of Santo Tomas.
Other notable schools placed within the 801–1000 range, such as De La Salle University, Mapua University, and several state universities across the country.
Globally, Western Sydney University topped the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, followed by the University of Manchester and South Korea’s Kyungpook National University.
