In the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, the University of Pretoria (UP) achieved a significant milestone by being ranked 41st globally for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions - a remarkable rise from the 101–200 band in 2024. UP now holds the top position in both Africa and South Africa for this SDG. The number of universities ranked under SDG 16 increased from 1,086 in 2024 to 1,265 in 2025, making this UP’s highest global placement for this goal to date. This achievement underscores UP’s leading role in advancing peace, justice, and good governance - all essential pillars of sustainable development on the continent. 

UP's Faculty of Law has been pivotal in achieving this milestone. The Faculty of Law plays a vital role in shaping a just and informed society through its multifaceted contributions to policy, governance, and public life. It engages actively in outreach, public education, and capacity-building efforts aimed at policy- and law-makers, addressing key issues such as constitutionalism, economics, technology, migration, displacement, and climate change. The Faculty also undertakes policy-relevant research in partnership with government departments, ensuring that legal scholarship informs practical decision-making. As a neutral and credible space, it enables constructive dialogue among diverse political actors, helping to navigate complex societal challenges. Furthermore, the Faculty monitors the impact of its graduates - not only in the legal profession but across sectors - recognising their role in strengthening institutions, shaping policy, and contributing to democratic governance. The Faculty of Law's influence extends far beyond the classroom, creating a powerful multiplier effect through its graduates who become architects of justice across multiple spheres. On the global stage, UP Law graduates represent South Africa in international courts, participate in UN peacekeeping missions, draft international treaties, and serve in multinational corporations where they embed ethical governance practices.

"This remarkable achievement in the THE Impact Rankings represents more than just a number - it reflects our collective commitment to justice, our dedication to excellence, and our unwavering belief in the transformative power of legal education," says Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Charles Maimela. "To reach 41st position globally and to lead the African continent in SDG 16 is a testament to every member of our Faculty community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our distinguished faculty members whose innovative research and tireless mentorship shape future legal minds; to our dedicated administrative staff whose behind-the-scenes work enables our success; to our brilliant students whose intellectual curiosity and passion for justice inspire us daily; and to our alumni whose achievements in courtrooms, boardrooms, and policy corridors worldwide reflect the values we instil. Together, we have proven that African institutions can lead globally in advancing peace, justice, and strong institutions."