On April 21, Times Higher Education (THE), a British higher education publication, released "THE University Impact Ranking 2021." Hiroshima University ranked first in Japan for SDG 4 (high-quality education for all), SDG 6 (safe water and sanitation for all), and SDG 11 (urban development where people can continue to live), as well as for SDG 5 (achieve gender equality) and SDG 8 (job satisfaction and economic growth), both of which were newly recognized last year. It ranked first in the overall score in Japan, ranking along with Tohoku University, University of Tsukuba, Kyoto University, Okayama University, Hokkaido University, and the University of Tokyo (fourth place last year).
THE University Impact Ranking: This ranking visualizes the social contribution efforts of universities using the framework of the United Nations' SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). This year, the third edition, includes 1,240 institutions worldwide and 73 in Japan.
In the world rankings, Hiroshima University placed in the top 100 in five of the 17 SDGs: 46th in SDG 9 (build a foundation for industry and technological innovation), 64th in SDG 6 (safe water and sanitation for all), 72nd in SDG 2 (zero hunger), 79th in SDG 1 (eliminate poverty), and 96th in SDG 12 (responsible creation and use).
In 2021, Hiroshima University will sign a comprehensive agreement with Higashihiroshima City and Sumitomo Corporation to be the first national university to make the "Carbon Neutral x Smart Campus 5.0 Declaration" in an effort to realize the SDGs and Society 5.0.
Regarding education about the SDGs, students studying in their respective fields of specialization at the graduate school are required to take an elective Sustainable Development Course, which aims to help students understand the SDGs and acquire the ability to create scientific solutions that will lead to sustainable development and solve various problems in society (link is external); the school continues to take on new challenges, including the establishment of a joint degree program with Austrian and German universities in 2020.

Reference: For information on SDG initiatives at Hiroshima University, please visit the website of the Hiroshima University FE/SDGs Network Center (NERPS)