The University of Minnesota Sustainable Development Goals Initiative seeks to support and promote transdisciplinary research, teaching, and partnerships to mobilize the resources at the University to advance a more socially and environmentally sustainable future in Minnesota, the U.S., and the globe through grants, information, and opportunities linked to SDG targets and indicators. The Initiative is supported by the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance in partnership with several administrative units including the Office for Public Engagement and the Office of Sustainability.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 as a 15-year plan for global sustainable development. The SDGs framework includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, and drives efforts at local, national, and global partnership levels. The SDGs offer an inherently integrative and interdisciplinary approach highlighting linkages between ending poverty, improving health and education, and addressing climate change and other environmental degradation.
The SDGs fit seamlessly into the strategic goals and priorities of the system with every campus, research group, and outreach center providing their own support to the prouder University systemwide strategic goals, which in turn, focus on educating and inspiring future generations, developing research breakthroughs for the betterment of society, and supporting individuals and communities as they grow and change in our fast moving world.
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
The University of Minnesota participates in the Times Higher Ed (THE) Impact Rankings, an assessment of universities' social and environmental impact based on their contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025, the rankings evaluated 2,526 universities from 130 countries/regions, comparing their efforts to conduct, teaching, research, outreach and stewardship that supports a more sustainable, equitable and healthy future. The University was fifth in the U.S. overall and in the top 10% worldwide. For the first time, the University ranked first among U.S. institutions in two categories and among the top five in the U.S. for its work related to:
- Clean water (No. 1 in the U.S., Tied for No. 16 in the world)
- Health and well-being (No. 1 in the U.S., Tied for No. 54 in the world)
- Climate action (No. 3 in the U.S., Tied for No. 70 in the world)
- Zero hunger (No. 4 in the U.S., No. 34 in the world)
- Partnerships for the Goals (No. 3 in the U.S.)
The University of Minnesota is one of the few institutions worldwide to submit to the THE Impact Rankings as a university system, a point that distinguishes its results from its peers. The final submission included examples gathered from every campus, statewide Extension and research station offices, and other systemwide initiatives.
