University Global Ranking: Reality or Myth

This conference will focus on the “University Global Ranking: Reality or Myth” captures the growing debate around the legitimacy, fairness, and actual value of global university rankings. It challenges target audiences to question whether these rankings truly reflect the quality of education, research, and impact of institutions or whether they are shaped by selective, Western-centric metrics that create myths about excellence. “Rethinking Quality, Excellence, and Global Competitiveness in Academia”, shifts the focus toward a broader, more inclusive understanding of what constitutes academic success. It encourages higher education stakeholders to move beyond narrow ranking criteria and rethink how global academic excellence should be defined and pursued.

The Race for Rankings: A Global Scenario

Over the past two decades, universities worldwide have increasingly aligned their strategic goals with performance indicators used in global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). These rankings often prioritise metrics like research output (especially in English-language journals), faculty-to-student ratio, international collaborations, and institutional reputation. As a result, many universities, especially in developing countries (DCs) have redirected their focus and resources toward ranking-related indicators. For instance, they invest heavily in research publication incentives, international faculty recruitment, and high-visibility partnerships, sometimes at the cost of local relevance and inclusive education. In DCs, national policies and funding frameworks have been restructured to support universities aspiring to climb the global rankings ladder. This “ranking race” has created an environment where institutions compete not only for academic prestige but also for global visibility and student enrolment which often adopt superficial changes that fit the ranking frameworks rather than fostering deep educational reforms.

We invite all academics and professionals from Higher Education Institutions (HEI) (universities, colleges and research institutions) and private sector to join us in this global conference to explore innovative strategies, collaborative initiatives, and transformative approaches that empower educational leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to accelerate progress towards the acceleration of the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the conference, selection of WASD Top Experts will present their recent reach on SD and answer questions about their future research and studies in the subject.