KOYA — University Media 

Koya University has achieved a remarkable milestone in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. This outstanding result solidifies its continuous progress as a leading public university in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq across vital sectors, including sustainability, clean energy, climate action, quality education, and global partnerships.

Leading the Kurdistan Region

At the regional level among public universities in the Kurdistan Region, Koya University secured the 1st place in Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 17 (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals). Furthermore, the university achieved the 2nd place regionally in Goal 4 (SDG 4: Quality Education) and Goal 13 (SDG 13: Climate Action).

Substantial National and Global Progress

On the national stage among Iraqi public universities, Koya University demonstrated significant upward mobility across multiple SDGs:

• SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy): The university climbed from the 14th position in 2025 to the 4th position in 2026 nationally. Globally, its ranking improved significantly from the (601–800) cohort to the (401–600) cohort.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Koya University advanced from the 11th national position to the 4th, while its global rank witnessed an impressive leap from (1001–1500) in 2025 to (601–800) in 2026.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The university advanced from the 7th to the 4th position among Iraqi public academic institutions.

Strategic Realization of the University Pillars

These impressive outcomes are deeply rooted in Koya University’s Comprehensive Strategic Plan (2023–2027), which is structured around seven pillars designed to enhance the institution's local and global footprint. This growth directly reflects:

• The Seventh Pillar (Green University): An initiative aimed at fostering an eco-friendly campus environment and expanding clean energy systems.
• The Second Pillar (Research and Innovation): Which prioritizes high-impact scientific research and sustainable technological innovations to tackle local and global dilemmas.
• The Fifth Pillar (Internationalization and Global Visibility) & The Third Pillar (Community Outreach): Both emphasizing the construction of mutually beneficial partnerships to address critical challenges such as climate change.

By seamlessly integrating these strategic pillars, Koya University successfully transforms its academic and administrative infrastructure into a leading model for sustainable development, underscoring its institutional commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).