Global universities from Asia boost positions in the leadership rankings for sustainability initiatives
Asian Universities Bridge the Sustainable Development Goals Financing Gap
Asian universities are playing a critical role in addressing the financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in emerging economies. These institutions are leading the way in sustainable finance, driving research, shaping policy, and developing innovative financing strategies to address the shortfall in SDG funding.
The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 reveal a growing presence of Asian universities in sustainability leadership. A staggering 83% rise in the number of top 50 global institutions coming from Asia is a testament to this surge. This surge coincides with growing financial shortages for SDGs in the region, such as Indonesia’s estimated $1.7 trillion shortfall by 2030.
These universities have expanded their function beyond knowledge generation. They are actively engaging in sustainable finance by integrating research with policy and investment strategies to create alternative financing mechanisms amid declining international aid and fiscal pressures in Southeast Asia.
Through networks and initiatives like the UN-backed Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) and regional collaborations (e.g., Sustainable Lifestyles University Network in Central Asia), Asian universities embed sustainability into curricula and campus operations. This educational role supports financing indirectly by fostering innovation and awareness necessary for sustainable investments and partnerships.
Asian universities are also recognized as “living laboratories” for climate action and sustainability practices. They demonstrate sustainable campus management, which can translate into models for wider societal adoption, attracting investment and policy support that help close financing gaps.
Moreover, Asian universities contribute by participating in blended finance and impact finance initiatives, working with entities that channel private and philanthropic capital into SDG-aligned projects. They provide research and capacity-building to support these innovative finance mechanisms addressing underfunded SDGs across the region.
Universities in Asia are not just passive recipients of funding but active contributors to financial innovation. For instance, Bayu Arie Fianto, an Associate Professor at Universitas Airlangga and President of the Indonesia SDGs Center Network (ISCN), has advised UNICEF, USAID, and Bank Indonesia on sustainable finance.
The United Nations has recognised the significant contribution of Asian universities in global development, including an Academic Day in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), scheduled for July 2, 2025. The growing presence of Asian universities in sustainability rankings signals a shift toward embedding sustainable finance within academic and institutional priorities.
However, structural barriers in education access in emerging economies, such as declining international aid, rising tuition costs, and limited digital infrastructure, remain challenges. Long-term success in sustainable finance depends on strategic alignment rather than short-term projects or publicity-driven initiatives.
In essence, Asian universities bridge the SDG financing gap by combining research excellence, capacity building, and practical engagement with sustainable finance frameworks—filling a crucial void caused by insufficient government and donor resources in the region. The contribution of Asian universities in global development may become one of Asia's most valuable assets.
- Asian universities, while bridging the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) financing gap, are revolutionizing the energy transition by focusing on renewable energy, carbon reduction, and climate finance.
- As a significant player in education-and-self-development, Asian universities are prioritizing sustainability by integrating it into curricula and campus operations, fostering innovation and awareness for sustainable investments.
- To address the financial impact of SDGs in Southeast Asia, these universities are partnering with international organizations and regional collaborations like HESI and SLUN, shaping policy frameworks and engaging in blended finance initiatives.
- Scientists within Asian universities are actively researching sustainable finance strategies, such as energy transition and sustainable campus management, making them "living laboratories" for climate action and sustainability practices.
- The social impact of these academic institutions is vast, as they provide finance and education services; for example, Associate Professor Bayu Arie Fianto from Universitas Airlangga advises major organizations on sustainable finance, contributing to Asia's growing influence in global development.
