UM6P Ranks #1 in Morocco and Joint 1st in North Africa in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026
A defining milestone reflecting research excellence, social commitment, and a fast-rising sustainability footprint. University Mohammed VI Polytechnic has reached a major new achievement by ranking among the Top 200 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. This result marks a remarkable progression since the University’s entry into the global ranking in 2024, when it was placed within the Top 1000 universities worldwide.
Today, UM6P stands as the #1 university in Morocco. At the regional level, it is jointly ranked 1st in North Africa, and across the African continent it is jointly ranked 4th, positioned among other universities within the 101–200 band globally. This progression consolidates UM6P’s role as a continental and regional hub for sustainable development, scientific innovation, and societal impact.
A Rapid and Strategic Rise in Global Sustainability Visibility
The 2026 edition of the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings assessed 1,646 universities worldwide, evaluating each institution’s contribution to sustainable development through its performance against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UM6P’s advancement into the global Top 200 testifies to the strength of its research ecosystem, the depth of its community engagement, and its ability to translate knowledge into tangible, real-world impact.
This recognition underscores UM6P’s core mission: to build a modern model of higher education rooted in excellence, relevance, and long-term societal impact.
A Standout Performance in the Fight Against Poverty
UM6P achieved particularly notable success in SDG 1 – No Poverty, ranking 40th globally among more than 900 universities. This outstanding result places UM6P among the world’s leading institutions advancing poverty alleviation through research, education, outreach, and community engagement.
This performance reflects UM6P’s conviction that science and higher education must serve people first — generating solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen inclusive development in Morocco, across Africa, and beyond.
Strong Performances Across Multiple Sustainable Development Goals
Beyond its leadership on poverty alleviation, UM6P recorded solid results across several other SDGs, confirming the breadth of its sustainability commitment:
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: 301–400
- SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: 101–200
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: 201–300
- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: 201–300
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: 101–200
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: 101–200
As a result of this assessment, UM6P is ranked within the 101–200 band worldwide, reinforcing its position among the world’s leading universities committed to sustainable development and positive societal impact.
Understanding the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings Methodology
A framework that measures real-world contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Unlike traditional academic rankings centered on research output and reputation alone, the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings evaluate how universities deliver on the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The methodology assesses institutions across four broad dimensions:
1. Research
Measures the volume, reach, and influence of an institution’s research that is directly relevant to each SDG — rewarding scientific work that addresses concrete sustainability challenges.
2. Stewardship
Evaluates how a university manages its own resources, operations, and campus — from energy and water use to ethical and responsible institutional practices.
3. Outreach
Assesses the university’s engagement with its surrounding communities, regions, and partners, including outreach programs, public events, and contributions to local and national development.
4. Teaching
Looks at how institutions embed sustainability into education, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to advance the SDGs throughout their careers.
Each university is scored on SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals plus its three strongest remaining SDGs, producing an overall ranking that reflects both depth and breadth of impact.
What This Ranking Means for UM6P and the Region
UM6P’s entry into the global Top 200 reflects:
- The maturation of its sustainability-driven research ecosystem
- Its growing international footprint in advancing the SDGs
- Its targeted contributions to poverty alleviation, clean energy, water, and reduced inequalities
- Its expanding role as an African model of impact-driven higher education
These results reflect UM6P’s commitment to generating knowledge, fostering innovation, and delivering tangible solutions in support of sustainable and inclusive development in Morocco, across Africa, and globally.
This achievement also strengthens UM6P’s long-term vision: to position Morocco and Africa as global contributors to sustainable development, science, and societal progress.
A Collective Achievement
This recognition is the result of the collective efforts of the entire UM6P community. The dedication and commitment of its researchers, faculty, staff, and students continue to strengthen the University’s contribution to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
We extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to everyone who contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Gathering minds, shaping futures.
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