Universitas Airlangga’s ascent to 9th place globally in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings signals a seismic shift in Southeast Asia’s higher education landscape. This achievement underscores how universities can simultaneously pursue academic excellence while driving measurable progress on humanity’s most pressing challenges.
**Key Points**
- UNAIR secured 9th place globally in THE Impact Rankings, topping both Southeast Asia and Indonesia
- The university achieved first place worldwide for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) and third for No Poverty (SDG 1)
- Success stems from five institutional transformation pillars including sustainability commitment and data-driven governance
- UNAIR ranked fourth globally for Gender Equality and 29th for Partnerships for the Goals
How Did UNAIR Become Southeast Asia’s Top-Ranked University for Sustainable Development Impact?
Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has secured its position as a global leader in sustainable development impact, claiming 9th place worldwide in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Consequently, this performance established UNAIR as the highest-ranking university in both Southeast Asia and Indonesia for addressing critical global challenges.
Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan emphasized that this accomplishment demonstrates UNAIR’s unwavering commitment to tackling social, environmental, and economic challenges worldwide. During a press conference on Thursday, June 19, 2025, he highlighted how the university’s approach integrates academic excellence with meaningful societal contribution.
Which Sustainable Development Goals Did UNAIR Excel In?
Water and Poverty Solutions Lead Global Rankings
UNAIR’s performance across multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals showcases remarkable consistency and impact. The university achieved first place globally for SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, while securing third place worldwide for SDG 1: No Poverty.
“This achievement is clear evidence of UNAIR’s contributions to community service, economic empowerment at the local level, and inclusive access to education,” Prof. Madyan explained. Furthermore, these rankings reflect tangible programs that address fundamental human needs through research-backed initiatives.
Gender Equality and Partnership Excellence
In addition to its water and poverty initiatives, UNAIR demonstrated strong performance in social equity measures. The university earned fourth place globally for SDG 5: Gender Equality, highlighting its active support for women’s empowerment and comprehensive gender equity programs.
Notably, UNAIR’s 29th global ranking for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals illustrates its expanding role in fostering international collaboration for sustainable development. This positioning reflects strategic partnerships that amplify the university’s global impact.
What Are UNAIR’s Five Transformation Pillars?
Prof. Madyan outlined the institutional framework driving UNAIR’s success through five distinct transformation pillars:
- Sustainability and moral responsibility: Academic excellence aligned with social responsibility and community advocacy
- Research quality enhancement: Supporting global research collaboration and international academic engagement
- Curriculum relevance: Maintaining competitive, inclusive, and equitable educational programs
- Community service and empowerment: Implementing sustainable programs grounded in research and innovation
- Data-driven governance: Strengthening institutional management through integrated data systems
“The entire UNAIR academic community is grounded in the principle of excellence with morality, where academic excellence is aligned with social responsibility and advocacy for the wider community,” Prof. Madyan stated.
Inclusive Access Drives Educational Impact
UNAIR’s commitment to educational equity extends across multiple demographic groups. The university guarantees access to learning and career opportunities for women, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged communities.
This comprehensive approach transforms rankings from mere metrics into meaningful societal progress.
Furthermore, UNAIR’s focus on sustainable higher education practices demonstrates how institutions can balance academic achievement with community empowerment. These initiatives create lasting change that extends far beyond campus boundaries.
How Does UNAIR View Rankings and Global Recognition?
Despite achieving exceptional global recognition, Prof. Madyan emphasized that rankings serve as reflections rather than ultimate objectives. This perspective shapes how UNAIR approaches institutional development and international engagement.
“Rankings are not the objective—they are a reflection of strong, consistent, and sustainable internal processes,” he affirmed. “Our true strength lies in our contribution to knowledge, humanity, and global civilization.”
Consequently, this philosophy ensures that UNAIR’s sustainable development initiatives remain authentic and purpose-driven rather than metrics-focused. The university’s approach prioritizes long-term impact over short-term recognition.
Bottom Line
UNAIR’s rise to become Southeast Asia’s leading university for sustainable development impact represents more than academic achievement—it demonstrates how higher education institutions can drive meaningful global change. The university’s success across multiple SDGs, from clean water initiatives to gender equality programs, establishes a replicable model for mission-driven institutional transformation.
Moving forward, UNAIR’s five-pillar approach and commitment to inclusive education position the university to maintain its global leadership while expanding its societal impact. This achievement signals a broader shift toward purpose-driven higher education that prioritizes humanity’s most pressing challenges alongside academic excellence.
