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      Walailak University (WU) has significantly moved up  to the range 101-200 in 2021 globally in SGD 2: Zero hunger and SDG14: Life below water, according to the 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Times Higher Education (THE) assessed the university against the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university is now featuring as the 6th and the 5th, among all the 51 Thai universities in these two areas, indicating WU’s continued role in ensuring food security, sustainable agriculture and use and conservation of marine resources. 

     Retaining its place of 601st- 800th with 289 more universities joining the rankings, Walailak University has seen a significant improvement in all areas since 2021. Besides the SDG 2 and SDG 14, SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production, first submitted this year, is also one of best three Goals scoring highest, the 8th in Thailand. This confirms the university’s commitment to serving local communities in the south of Thailand consistent with its motto,  

    “to be an institution of good governance, a source of knowledge for critical problems facing the nation, to unfailingly address community needs, and to strive for international recognition for excellence.” 

    Prof. Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, said, “This is the second time Walailak University submitted to THE for assessment on the extent to which we help our community. We are very proud with the level indicating our steady and unfailing commitment to improving our community. We are also very proud because our role to help local community has been recognized by the United Nations. This is the recognition of our role as a member of international community. I thank WU staff for their dedication to improving the university’s international recognition.” 

     According to the Impact Rankings released on 28 Thursday, 2022, a total of 1,406 universities globally with 291 more joining the assessment. In Thailand, a total of 51 universities submitted to be ranked with 16 more joining this year. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the Global Goals was adopted by United Nations in 2015 to eradicate poverty, care for the planet and restore peace and prosperity by 2030. Specifically, for educational institutions, climbing the SDGs Times Higher Education ranking can also demonstrate impact in terms of sustainability which, according to the Times Higher Education Consultancy Team’s survey of the THE Student Pulse Panel in 2021, plays a pivotal role in attracting prospective Generation Z students. 

News by Nootchanat Sukkaew 

Division of Corporate Communication