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Walailak University has made significant progress in world’s recognition of its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, moving up to the 401-600 band in the 2023 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings among 1,591 participating universities worldwide across 112 countries/regions. This achievement places Walailak University in joint 8^th in Thailand. The results were officially released on 1 June 2023, at 11:30 AM BST or 5:30 PM ICT (Thailand local time).

The 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings assessed the university's performance in four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching, against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This marks the third consecutive year Walailak University has been ranked by THE Impact Rankings, with the university now placed 401^st-600^th globally. This achievement is a remarkable improvement from its previous ranking of 601^st-800^th in 2022.

According to the 2023 THE Impact Rankings, Walailak University received an overall score of 72.3 out of 100. Among all 17 SDGS, the university excelled in four SDGs: SDG2 (Zero Hunger), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG14 (Life Below Water), securing a place among the top 100 worldwide.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, said, “Walailak University places significant emphasis on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2022, we were ranked between 601-800 globally. The higher rank means we performed better in our contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Goals. We are very proud of this global role of ours”. 

In SDG2 Zero Hunger, Walailak University achieved a global ranking of 56^th and a national ranking of 5^th. Through the implementation of the Blue Crab Bank project in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani Province, the population of blue crabs in their natural habitats has increased. Fishermen have gained knowledge in blue crab operation, biology, and fishery management, as well as guidelines for sustainable marine resource management.

In SDG6 Clean Water and Sanitation, Walailak University is ranked 52^nd worldwide and 3^rd nationally. The university's Monkey Cheek or reservoir construction project is capable of storing up to 2,400,000 cubic meters of water, thereby reducing groundwater consumption and providing a source of raw water for nearby communities. The university's wastewater treatment system can treat up to 4,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day.

For SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, Walailak University attained the 99^th spot globally and 4^th nationally. The university actively develops its environment, promotes energy-saving activities, and implements electric shuttle cars for in-campus transportation. Walailak University was ranked at 111^th globally by UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2022, making it no.1 green university in southern Thailand for three consecutive years. In terms of the preservation of Thailand's intangible cultural heritage, the university's online Nora course plays a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and providing basic Nora singing and dancing training to the public.

In SDG14 Life Below Water, Walailak University achieved a ranking of 58^th worldwide and 3^rd in Thailand. The university collaborates with governmental and private organizations to restore damaged coral reefs, construct artificial fish habitats, and enhance aquatic ecosystems.

“We are a globally responsible institution committed to making a positive societal impacts and promoting sustainable development. The success we have achieved is the result of the dedicated and intensive work of all of us. I would like to express my gratitude to the university management team, faculty members, staff, and students who have contributed to this success. I firmly believe that in the future, our university will attain higher global rankings,” said Professor Dr. Sombat 

In the past year, Walailak University, recognized as one of Thailand's 16 leading research-intensive universities, was ranked for the first time by THE World University Rankings 2023 at 1501+ among 1,799 participating universities worldwide. And QS Asia University Rankings 2023 placed Walailak University at 551-600 among 760 Asian universities.