EUniWell partner universities to sign renewed Magna Charta Universitatum

06/09/2021 | by Eszter Turopoli

Linnaeus University, Semmelweis University, the University of Florence and the University of Nantes will join the signatories of the Magna Charta 2020 as part of an international ceremony. Signing the Magna Charta commits universities to valuing autonomy and academic freedom, and operating in accordance with them.

A photo of the original Magna Charta document. On the left-hand side, "Magna Carta Universitatum" can be read in ornate lettering with the place and date of the signing “Bologna, October 1988” written below; the right-hand side shows a series of signatures.
Magna Carta Universitatum (MCU). Image Source: www.magna-charta.org

The Magna Charta Universitatum (MCU) is a document that was originally signed by 388 rectors and heads of universities on 18 September 1988, the 900th anniversary of the University of Bologna. Since then, the document has been signed by 904 universities from 88 countries.

The next Ceremony of Signature of the renewed Magna Charta Universitatum will be held in Bologna on 16-17 June 2021. The rectors of Linnaeus University, Semmelweis University,  the University of Florence and the University of Nantes have decided to sign the MCU 2020  and be part of this commitment. The remaining EUniWell partner universities also fully share the values stated in the Magna Charta document, and Leiden University and the University of Cologne are among the signatories of earlier versions of the MCU.

The original Magna Charta Universitatum contains principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy as a guideline for good governance and self-understanding of universities. It is a declaration and affirmation of the fundamental principles upon which the mission of universities should be based. 

The renewed Magna Charta Universitatum strives to be responsive to and resonate with contemporary challenges and concerns.  By signing the MCU 2020, universities declare their commitment to the original declaration and to upholding and advancing the Principles, Values and Responsibilities stated in the document, to strengthen the role of universities in the preservation of the planet and promoting health, prosperity, and enlightenment around the world.

The global event to celebrate the importance of higher education and to sign the Magna Charta Universitatum will be held in Bologna, Italy on 16-17 June 2021.

The official MCU 2020 video of Linnaeus University can be seen here: 

https://youtu.be/Eo0ZoEin3nc

More details about Magna Charta Universitatum: 

http://www.magna-charta.org/magna-charta-universitatum

 

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