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In a historic milestone reflecting Walailak University’s strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), the university has been ranked 93^rd globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 - its highest position since joining the prestigious ranking in 2021. Most notably, Walailak University achieved the No. 1 global ranking for SDG 5: Gender Equality, affirming its leadership in promoting inclusivity and empowerment across all genders.

At 6:01 AM Thailand Time on 18 June 2025, Times Higher Education announced the results of the 2025 Impact Rankings, which assess universities worldwide based on their contributions to the UN SDGs. Walailak University now ranks 93^rd out of 2,526 institutions from 130 countries - an impressive leap from its position in the 101–200 band last year among 2,152 universities from 125 countries.

Nationally, the university also rose in the ranks, now holding fifth place among 83 Thai universities, up from a joint 5^th position out of 77 institutions last year.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, said that global university rankings are a strategic priority, serving as a benchmark to elevate university's standards and global profile. 

“Global rankings in various fields are one of the university’s key goals, serving as a tool to measure our institutional standards. When discussing which universities are outstanding or well-known, rankings can provide a clearer picture. In the case of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the focus is on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The rankings assess whether universities have implemented these goals in developing their institutions and supporting their communities. Those that make tangible progress in specific SDGs are scored accordingly,” said Professor Sombat.

“It is very pleasing to see how rapidly we have progressed. Just five years ago, when we first participated in the THE Impact Rankings, we were ranked 601–800. Since then, we have continued our efforts, and last year we reached the 101–200 band. This year, we’ve made it into the global Top 100, ranking 93^rd worldwide. Even more impressive is that we achieved the No. 1 global ranking for SDG 5: Gender Equality. That’s a remarkable accomplishment and a standout success for all of us.”

This year, Walailak University topped the global chart for SDG 5: Gender Equality, highlighting its commitment to eliminating violence and discrimination against women, ensuring access to reproductive health services, and promoting women’s leadership and participation in public life. Through research, policy implementation, and community engagement, the university plays a vital role in advancing gender equality and empowering women at all levels.

Assistant Professor Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, Director of the Center for Academic Services - a key driver of the university’s SDG initiatives - shared his thoughts on the achievement:

“We’re both surprised and honored, considering this is the first year we submitted data for SDG 5: Gender Equality. To be ranked No. 1 in the world is truly rewarding for our hard work.”

“This recognition reflects the university’s commitment to driving meaningful change - whether through gender-focused research, especially in the social sciences, advancing reproductive rights, or implementing inclusive policies and support systems for women in education.”

Dr. Amornsak also emphasized that Walailak University promotes equality and respect for all members of its community, including students, faculty, staff, and the LGBTQ+ community.

“Women hold strong representation in our senior academic leadership - from vice presidents to other high-level roles. We also monitor women’s graduation rates across all disciplines, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men, and provide mentorship, parental leave, childcare services, and non-discrimination policies to support their academic and professional growth.”

To further promote gender inclusivity, Walailak University organizes projects such as the annual Miss Lady Boy Competition, providing a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to showcase their talents. The university also upholds a gender-inclusive dress code policy, allowing students to dress in accordance with their gender identity.

The 2025 Impact Rankings evaluate universities across four core areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. Walailak University participated in nine of the 17 SDGs. In addition to its No. 1 ranking for Gender Equality, the university earned Top 50 global positions in five more goals:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger - 32^nd worldwide, 2^nd in Thailand
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - 33^rd worldwide, 3^rd in Thailand
SDG 14: Life Below Water - 38^th worldwide, 3^th in Thailand
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - 39^th worldwide, 4^th in Thailand
SDG 4: Quality Education - 50^th worldwide, 3^rd in Thailand

It also placed in the Top 100 globally for two more goals:
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation - 54^th worldwide, 2^nd in Thailand
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - 76^th worldwide, 4^th in Thailand

For SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Walailak University was placed in the 301–400 global band, joint 14^th in Thailand.

Highlights of Walailak University’s SDGs Initiatives:

For SDG 2: Zero Hunger, Walailak University actively promotes food security and sustainable agriculture by providing free access to agricultural knowledge, skills, and technologies to local farmers and food producers. Through projects such as WU Clinic Technology, the Safe Vegetables in Hydroponic Systems Project, and knowledge-sharing events, farmers receive practical tools to tackle challenges such as pest outbreaks and enhance crop yields. The university also supports local economies by encouraging the use of community-sourced ingredients in restaurants.

For SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, Walailak University implements outreach projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of local communities, disadvantaged groups, and migrant populations. The university’s free sports facilities, available to schools and the public, foster strong community engagement, promote active lifestyles, and inspire greater interest in sports. Moreover, the university partners with local, national, and international organizations to advance public health, supporting both physical and mental well-being.

In SDG 14: Life Below Water, Walailak University’s Blue Swimming Crab Project serves as a hub for rejuvenating crab populations while delivering economically and environmentally sustainable benefits. The university also implements artificial fish habitat construction projects in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani provinces, in collaboration with local governments, NGOs, and private sectors. These efforts support diverse marine species, enhance habitat complexity, and improve overall marine biodiversity.

In SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals, Walailak University partners with governmental bodies and hospitals to enhance public health and ensure equitable healthcare access. The university also works with international educational institutions to preserve the UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of Nora, while promoting academic and cultural collaboration.

For SDG 4: Quality Education, Walailak University provides high-quality education based on the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF). It also offers lifelong learning opportunities to the general public through short- and long-term online courses with certification. The university engages in educational outreach to promote the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, and provides digital resources including e-books, development games, and assessments.

For SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, the university has implemented water management practices to mitigate on-campus flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Its wastewater treatment system can process up to 4,000 cubic meters per day, reducing the BOD value from 150 to 20 milligrams per liter. Treated wastewater is quality-checked before being released into natural sources or reused for various purposes. Off campus, the university works with local, national, and international partners to promote sustainable water use in communities.

For SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Walailak University has partnered with the 14^th Regional Office of the Fine Arts Department to restore Daeng Temple, which was built during the Sukhothai Kingdom. On campus, the university has built pedestrian and covered walkways and provides shuttle bus services to reduce motor vehicle use. Additionally, its 534-acre Botanic Park serves as an educational green space and a conservation area for plant and herb species.

For SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Walailak University has implemented guidelines to drive the development of waste tracking systems and reduce overall waste volume across campus. The university promotes categorized waste disposal, ensuring that each type of waste is managed appropriately in accordance with health and environmental standards. Waste sorting and tracking not only support more efficient and convenient disposal but also contribute significantly to waste reduction. In addition, the university has adopted policies to minimize plastic waste and reduce the use of single-use disposables.