Advancing social impact

We believe a better future for people and the planet is not only possible – it’s our mission.

[Report cover text: Queen's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals - Advancing social impact | 2023-2024
Read the report: Queen's contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Advancing social impact | 2023-2024 [PDF Report]

Universities are powerful engines of societal change. As a leading research-intensive institution, Queen’s University is committed to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Through research, teaching, and community impact, we are helping to solve the world's most urgent challenges – from climate change to food insecurity and affordable healthcare. We also recognize that innovation, ingenuity, and collaboration are needed if we want to achieve these goals, which have united us all in a common global purpose.

In 2025, for the fifth straight year, Queen's has ranked among the global top 10 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, an international ranking of universities that are advancing the UN SDGs within and beyond their local communities. Queen's placed sixth worldwide and first in Canada out of over 2,300 universities in more than 120 countries.

“Impact – making a tangible difference in the lives of others – is our legacy and our shared vision for the future.” – Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Queen's University

UN SDGs: How we are meeting them

Across the Queen’s community, much of our research, teaching, outreach and stewardship activities are directly tied to the 17 SDGs and their targets. Click on any of the 17 SDGs below or view our annual reports to find out more about how the Queen’s community is helping to advance these global goals and achieve social impact.

The Impact Rankings

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations’ SDGs through their research, teaching, outreach, and stewardship efforts.

2025 Announcement

[Illustrative aerial drone shot of Queens University campus]
[Illustrative aerial drone shot of Queens University campus]

1st in Canada, 6th worldwide

5th year in the top 10

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

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