Prof. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific research reviewed a report submitted by Dr. Ayman Ashour, Deputy Minister for University Affairs, on the ranking of Egyptian universities in the Times World Ranking according to their achievement of the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2021.

The report indicated that the number of Egyptian universities listed in the Times classification according to the achievement of the sustainable development goals for this year increased to 31 Egyptian universities compared to 16 universities in 2019, and 23 universities in 2020, as Aswan University ranked 95 in the world according to achieving the sustainable development goals, and the first. At the level of Egyptian universities among the top 100 universities in the world in the year 2021, compared to last year in which no Egyptian university appeared in the top 100 universities, followed by Cairo University, ranked 201-300, followed by Alexandria and Kafr El-Sheikh universities in the 301-400 position.

The report showed that 8 Egyptian universities ranked from 401-600, namely: Ain Shams, Assiut, Benha, Mansoura, the Egyptian-Japanese University of Science and Technology, Pharos, Suez Canal, and Tanta.

The report added that the number of Egyptian universities ranked among the best 400 universities in the world in 10 sustainable development goals has increased, as more than 20 Egyptian universities have been ranked in many sustainable development goals, and some Egyptian universities have topped the sustainable development goals as follows:

Cairo University ranked 95th globally for this year in achieving the first goal, which is the eradication of poverty, and Cairo University ranked 45 globally in achieving the seventh goal, which is to provide clean energy at reasonable prices, and Cairo University ranked 90 in the world in achieving the tenth goal, which is the limitation Of inequalities.

Aswan University ranked eighth in the world in achieving the second goal, which is the complete elimination of hunger, and Aswan University ranked 201-300 globally in achieving the third goal, which is good health and well-being, and Aswan University ranked 201-300 globally in achieving the fifth goal, which is equality between Genders. Aswan University was also ranked 31 in the world in achieving the eleventh goal, which is sustainable cities and communities, and Aswan University ranked 33 in the world in achieving the seventeenth goal, which is to establish partnerships to achieve the goals.

Alexandria University ranked 83rd in the world in achieving the fourth goal, which is quality education, and Alexandria University ranked 101-200 globally in achieving the sixteenth goal, which is peace, justice and strong institutions.

Kafr El Sheikh University ranked 91 globally in achieving the sixth goal, which is clean water and sanitation, and Pharos University ranked 101-200 globally in achieving the eighth goal, which is decent work and economic growth, and Mansoura University ranked 101-200 globally in achieving the ninth goal, which is industry and innovation and basic structures.

Kafr El-Sheikh University ranked 101-200 globally in achieving the twelfth goal, which is responsible consumption and production, and Kafr El-Sheikh University ranked 39 in the world in achieving the thirteenth goal, which is climate action, and Benha University ranked 101-200 globally in achieving the two goals The fourteenth is life under water, and the fifteenth is life on land.

The report pointed out that Aswan University obtained a distinguished position in the times classification for this year and in many sustainable development goals, in addition to five Egyptian universities achieving advanced positions among the top 100 universities in the world in eight different sustainable development goals for the year 2021, compared to only four universities. Last year 2020 among the top 100 universities in the world in seven different SDGs.

The report pointed out that the Times classification is one of the most important indicators of the impact of higher education in different countries at the world level, and it is the only global performance indicators that evaluate universities according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also, this classification generally included universities around the world to include only 768 universities in 2020 compared to 1115 universities in 2021, in addition to that the sustainable development goals in these areas are one of the important activities of Egyptian universities, similar to international universities. Universities generally have their research plans parallel to the SDGs.

The report added that the strategy of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to improve the classification of Egyptian universities globally includes four axes: (the first) preparing research for Egyptian researchers in Egyptian universities on topics related to the sustainable development goals, and (second) working on clear plans for education and learning outcomes that guarantee the quality of education. And the continuation of postgraduate education parallel to sustainable development plans, (third) the role that universities must play to preserve not only material resources but also the administrative apparatus, faculty members and students, as the Ministry considers affiliated with universities as participants in development plans, which is considered one of the key factors in achieving the sustainable development goals. The fourth axis is the location, educational environment and international standing as an important matter in higher education and scientific research in Egyptian universities, in addition to the role of universities in community service and the work that universities do with their local, regional, national and international communities, which is the main method of significant impact in the implementation of one of the sustainability goals.