Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has been recognized as The Most Improved University in Indonesia in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026. The Conservation-Oriented University made a remarkable leap from the 1,501+ category in 2025 to the 301–400 global ranking band in 2026.
The results were announced by THE during the Global Sustainable Development Congress (GSDC) held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), Tangerang, on Wednesday (June 24). The achievement demonstrates that UNNES is among the universities making significant contributions toward the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The THE Sustainability Impact Rankings are designed to assess universities’ performance in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. According to THE, the rankings serve as a catalyst to encourage and hold higher education institutions accountable for their sustainability efforts, while also recognizing outstanding contributions made by universities around the world in promoting sustainable development.
UNNES earned the title of The Most Improved University in Indonesia due to the various systematic improvements it has implemented in developing sustainable development programs across the institution. In addition, the university has significantly enhanced its data management and reporting processes.
Alfath Yuniarto, Head of the UNNES Office of International Affairs and SDGs Center, received the award and recognition directly from Phil Baty, Chief Global Affairs Officer of Times Higher Education.
“We are grateful that UNNES’s initiatives in supporting sustainable development have been recognized by THE. We hope this achievement will serve as a strong foundation for further initiatives in realizing UNNES’s vision as a Conservation-Oriented University,” he stated.
UNNES Rector Prof. Dr. S. Martono also expressed his appreciation for the recognition granted by THE. According to him, the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings further strengthen global acknowledgment of UNNES as a university actively contributing to sustainable development.
In addition to its overall ranking in the 301–400 global band, UNNES achieved outstanding results in several individual SDGs. The university’s notable achievements include:
SDG 4 (Quality Education): 34th globally
SDG 1 (No Poverty): 52nd globally
SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): 61st globally
SDG 14 (Life Below Water): 73rd globally
SDG 15 (Life on Land): 95th globally
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): 61st globally
SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Ranked 101–200 globally
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Ranked 101–200 globally
These accomplishments reflect UNNES’s strong commitment to integrating sustainability into education, research, community engagement, and institutional governance. The rankings further reinforce the university’s position as a globally recognized institution dedicated to advancing sustainable development and creating meaningful impact for society.
