Universidad ORT Uruguay the only institution in the country included in this international ranking, which recognizes universities with the greatest commitment to areas such as environmental protection, equity, and economic and social development.
The ranking is based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations: a set of 17 global goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring a decent life for everyone by 2030.
ORT has participatedin this international assessment since 2021, reflecting a long-standing institutional strategy focused on sustainability and the training of professionals committed to addressing the major challenges of today’s world.
Results of the 2025 edition
In this latest edition of the ranking, published on Wednesday, June 18, ORT received an overall score of 66.7 out of 100, placing it in the 601–800 range among 2,318 institutions worldwide.
The university participated in the assessment of four SDGs, performing particularly well in:
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, where ORT ranked among the top 201–300 universities (out of 973), with a score of 69.4. The highest score was in the publication of sustainability reports (100 points).
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, with a score of 63.2, also ranking in the 201–300 range (out of 1,265). It stood out particularly for the percentage of graduates in fields with potential regulatory impact and ethical training (91.2 points).
- SDG 4: Quality Education, with a score of 56.9 and a ranking in the 401–600 range among 1,975 universities. It stood out for providing free access to educational resources for graduates and the general public (library, lectures) and for its community engagement (70.1 points).
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, mandatory for all institutions, where ORT ranked between 1,001 and 1,500 out of 2,359 universities, with a score of 54.0.
These results confirm the tangible and measurable impact of the university's initiatives across various aspects of sustainable development.
A sustained institutional strategy
Inclusion in and continued presence on The Impact Rankings is no accident: it is the result of an institutional strategy aimed at integrating the SDGs into university life as a whole.
This ranges from campus environmental management to research, outreach, and course content.
Among other initiatives, the university has implemented a waste management plan through its ORT Recicla program, adopted energy efficiency standards in its buildings, promotes sustainable mobility, incorporates sustainability-related content into various degree programs, and maintains an active schedule of events and activities related to sustainable development.
“These types of international assessments allow us to take a hard look at ourselves, review our practices, and continue making progress in mainstreaming the SDGs,” said Dr. Nicolás Gambetta, academic vice dean of the School of Management and Social Sciences and the person responsible for coordinating the university’s participation in The Impact Rankings.
According to Gambetta, who heads the Chair of Corporate Sustainability at Universidad ORT Uruguay, the recognition from THE Impact Rankings “is also an opportunity to highlight the work that both faculty and staff at ORT are doing to promote an education system that is more in tune with the times.”
A high-level visit focused on sustainability
The release of The Impact Rankings 2025 coincides with a visit to Universidad ORT Uruguay Inger Andersen, MSc, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
A Danish economist and environmentalist, Andersen has led international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Since 2019, she has headed UNEP, where she drives global action in key areas such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
She was the keynote speaker at the event“Global Crisis: Challenges and the Role of Professionals,”held on Monday, June 16, at the university’s Pocitos Campus.
In his presentation, he shared his perspective on global environmental challenges and the vital role that each individual can play in building a sustainable future.
“I can confirm that everything Inger Andersen discussed regarding climate change, the circular economy, and biodiversity is covered in the sustainability courses taught at the university, which gave me great satisfaction,” Gambetta said.
Sustainability as an institutional culture
Sustainability is not a standalone initiative at Universidad ORT Uruguay, but rather a culture that is promoted at every level.
For example:
- The recycling of household and electronic waste is actively encouraged.
- The rational use of water and energy is encouraged.
- Priority is given to contracting responsible suppliers.
- Environmental awareness is being promoted in various aspects of university life.
This commitment is also reflected in the education of its students: many degree programs include courses, projects, or thematic modules related to sustainable development and innovation with a social impact, while there are also specific graduate programs and executive programs focused on sustainability.
Outlook and Future
With this latest recognition in The Impact Rankings 2025, Universidad ORT Uruguay its commitment to transformative education, grounded in academic excellence, equity, inclusion, and respect for the planet.
Taking part in this international assessment is also a way to demonstrate accountability and continue to improve.
The global challenges we face require committed institutions that are capable of developing responsible leaders and generating knowledge that serves people and the environment.
Universidad ORT Uruguay, through its School of Business and Social Sciences, is a member of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative, which demonstrates our commitment to a diverse and engaged university community dedicated to building a sustainable, inclusive, and just future for future generations.
- More about The Impact Rankings 2025