The local university making a huge impact not just in Sydney, but around the globe

Western Sydney University has again been recognised for its commitment to making a difference for students, the community and the planet, writes George Williams.

Universities are not only preparing students for the future; we are shaping the world they will inherit.

At Western Sydney University, two thirds of our students are the first in their families to attend university.

Many arrive as refugees or from disadvantaged backgrounds, carrying with them stories of resilience, ambition and hope. Their presence on our campuses is a daily reminder of the transformative power of education.

When our students succeed, the impact ripples far beyond our region, reaching families and communities around the world.

That’s why I am honoured that Western Sydney University has again been recognised for our commitment to making a difference for our students, our community and our planet through the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

George Williams AO is the new Vice Chancellor of the University of of Western Sydney.

There are many university rankings. This one is different.

Rather than measuring reputation, academic citations or research income, the Impact Rankings assess what universities are doing to improve lives by delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Researcher Teresa Gimeno makes findings at a section of the Eucalyptus Free-Air CO2 Enrichment experiment near the University of Western Sydney's Richmond campus, which has been designed to measure the effect of carbon emissions on the ecosystems.

These 17 goals outline the world’s biggest challenges, including gender equality, ending poverty, providing affordable and clean energy, reducing inequality, industry innovation and producing sustainable cities and communities.

These measures describe the future and planet we want for our generation and those to come. The Ranking assesses real-world impact in achieving these goals across more than 2300 universities from 130 countries.

Western Sydney University was recognised at the official ceremony in Istanbul this week as topping the world in this ranking by delivering more than any other university against these UN goals. It is the fourth time in a row we have been awarded first place.

I am enormously proud of our community at Western for this achievement. It speaks volumes of the commitment of our people to our students and community and their unwavering commitment to equality, opportunity and sustainability.

This is who we are, it is in our DNA.

Western Sydney University provides a food pantry on campus for students struggling to afford food. Vice-chancellor Professor George Williams (centre) is pictured with Student Community Program Coordinator Ms Miranda Zhang (left) and student Richard Xu. Picture: Wendy Chung

At Western, we believe that universities must be values driven.

Our alignment with the UN goals is reflected in the everyday reality of our campuses and community.

A good example is how our campuses, research, and community programs are grounded in environmental responsibility. We have reduced our carbon footprint across the campus network with all electricity being 100 per cent GreenPower accredited.

Our EucFACE – Eucalyptus Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment Experiment – is Australia’s largest climate change facility, located at our Hawkesbury campus.

This innovative experiment aims to predict decades in advance the effects of exposure to rising CO2 levels on our unique native forest ecosystems by elevating the CO2 levels to the predicted 2050 amount.

This world leading research is tackling climate change head on.

We have taken Western to the world, making a difference with initiatives like the MARVI project, which transforms how ground water is managed in India. By training local women as Bhujal Jaankars – groundwater-informed volunteers – and promoting female leadership in village cooperatives, MARVI is helping communities make informed choices about which crops to plant based on the availability of water.

Western Sydney University’s Liverpool campus. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

Other examples reflect our commitment to gender equality. We educate girls and women from 170 different cultures and countries in Western Sydney. Our female graduates succeed in employment and other ways that transforms their lives and those of their families across generations.

Our Women in STEM Education program supports the career development of women studying in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Western Sydney University.

We are seeing positive trends in girl’s and women’s engagement with STEM, with increased higher enrolment in STEM subjects, and growth in women pursuing STEM courses and occupations.

Many are now working on major projects across our region such as the Western Sydney International Airport and the Metro, making monumental changes that will have impact for many years to come.

In an era of unprecedented financial, political, technological, and societal challenges, the role of universities has never been more vital. We must serve the public good by changing lives and building strong and prosperous communities. It’s why this ranking is so important to us.

Distinguished Professor George Williams AO is Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University