This time, the spotlight was on how universities can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beyond traditional measures like rankings. Dr. Jamil Salmi and Prof. Raghu Raman offered compelling insights into bridging the gap between ambition and action.
Dr. Salmi mentioned the huge impact that global university rankings have on universities. He stresses that while rankings have numerous methodological issues, it doesn’t mean that they should be discarded. He highlighted the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings as a useful tool for measuring contributions to the SDGs but warned against relying solely on metrics. Instead, he urged universities to model sustainability through green, inclusive campuses and by developing technologies that address global challenges. From capturing cloud water in Chile to rapid disease diagnostics in Malaysia, Salmi showcased how innovation can save lives and address inequities.
Prof. Raman provided a ground-level perspective through Amrita University’s Living Labs program, where students work alongside rural communities to co-develop solutions for local challenges. This experiential approach integrates compassion with innovation, ensuring students gain practical skills while directly contributing to societal needs. He shared how Living Labs, rooted in Amrita’s humanitarian vision, aligns with SDG priorities like clean water, energy, and livelihoods, showcasing the power of academia-community collaboration.
The webinar emphasised that while rankings highlight certain achievements, they cannot fully capture a university’s role in solving real-world problems. True success lies in fostering meaningful change, whether through sustainability initiatives, immersive learning programs, or community engagement.
Universities must move beyond data-driven comparisons to embrace their responsibility in tackling urgent global challenges. By integrating sustainability into their core missions, institutions can ensure their impact transcends rankings.
One take-home message:
Real-world solutions and human stories are the ultimate metrics of success.