• 24 June 2026
• 46

KORKYT ATA KYZYLORDA UNIVERSITY ADVANCES IN THE TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT RANKINGS 2026

Universities play a crucial role as catalysts for sustainable development, contributing through education, research, innovation, and community engagement to address global challenges. Demonstrating its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University has achieved significant progress in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, one of the world's leading assessments of universities’ contributions to sustainable development.

According to the officially announced results, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University improved its overall position from the 1501+ band in 2025 to the 1001–1500 band in 2026, reflecting the university’s growing impact on sustainability and societal development at both national and international levels.

Key Achievements in THE Impact Rankings 2026

The university demonstrated notable improvements across numerous SDGs:

- SDG 1: No Poverty – improved from 1001+ to 601–800

- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – improved from 601–800 to 401–600

- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – improved from 1501+ to 1001+

- SDG 4: Quality Education – improved from 1001–1500 to 801–1000

- SDG 5: Gender Equality – advanced from 601–800 to 401–600

- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – improved from 801–1000 to 601+

- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – improved from 801–1000 to 601–800

- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – improved from 801–1000 to 601–800

- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – improved from 801–1000 to 601–800

- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – improved from 801–1000 to 601–800

- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – improved from 801–1000 to 601–800

- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – improved from 801+ to 601+

- SDG 13: Climate Action – improved from 801–1000 to 601–800

- SDG 14: Life Below Water – achieved an outstanding improvement from 401–600 to 301–400, becoming one of the university’s strongest-performing SDGs

- SDG 15: Life on Land – maintained its strong position in the 401–600 band

- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – maintained its position in the 601–800 band

- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – improved from 1501+ to 1001–1500

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The improved results reflect the university’s strategic efforts to integrate sustainability into education, research, governance, and community outreach. Through research projects addressing environmental challenges, initiatives promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities, partnerships with industry and government, and active engagement with local communities, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University continues to strengthen its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Particularly noteworthy are the university’s achievements in areas related to water resource management, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, food security, gender equality, and sustainable economic development, which have contributed significantly to the institution’s improved performance in the 2026 rankings. The 2026 results reaffirm Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University’s position as an emerging leader in sustainability among higher education institutions in Kazakhstan. The university remains committed to expanding its impact through innovative research, high-quality education, and meaningful partnerships that contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University will continue implementing initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening its role as a key stakeholder in regional and global sustainable development.