Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released its latest QS Sustainability Ranking 2026, placing Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) first in Indonesia with an overall score of 72.3. Globally, UGM ranks 409th out of 2,002 institutions, according to the official announcement published on Tuesday (Nov. 18).
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia expressed her delight at UGM’s strengthened position in sustainability performance.
She emphasized that the achievement reaffirms the university’s important role in advancing sustainable development, as reflected in its performance in the 2026 QS Sustainability Ranking.
Through a collaborative, sustainability-driven approach, the rector stated that UGM will continue to enhance its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at both national and global levels.
“This achievement is the result of collective efforts across all elements of the university, consistently directing UGM’s initiatives toward inclusive and equitable development,” she said at the UGM Campus on Monday (Nov. 24).
The QS Sustainability Ranking evaluates universities across three categories: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance.
In the Social Impact category, UGM ranked first nationally with a score of 75.5, up from 65.4 in 2025.
UGM also excelled in four Social Impact subcategories: Employability and Opportunities, with a score of 81.4 (up from 66.5 in 2025), Equality, with a score of 77.0 (up from 66.0 in 2025), Health & Wellbeing, with a score of 60.5 (up from 47.4 in 2025), and Impact of Education with a score of 57.8 (up from 51.3 in 2025).
In the Environmental Impact category, UGM achieved a score of 64.2, up from 62.1 in 2025.
Through substantial contributions in environmental research, UGM continues to reinforce its commitment to environmental sustainability through various research centers and learning centers focused on conservation, sustainable agritechnology, and renewable energy.
UGM’s carbon reduction targets outlined in its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan are further supported by non-emission mobility programs, including campus bicycles, electric buses, and electric motorcycles.
The university’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is reflected in improved energy efficiency, increased use of solar panels, and annual environmental training to strengthen literacy and capacity among the academic community.
The rector emphasized that this achievement also reflects UGM’s commitment to providing comprehensive health services, support for vulnerable groups, and community-based service programs.
The integration of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles throughout UGM’s initiatives further strengthens the university’s social impact.
“This accomplishment reaffirms UGM’s position as a world-class university with a strong orientation toward sustainability,” she added.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto Adi