MUNI has added its signature to the new version of the Magna Charter University
Posted date: 22 Jun 2021
The Magna Charta Universitatum declaration defines the basic values and principles of free academic institutions and has been signed by over 900 universities around the world.
In June, Masaryk University added its signature to the new version of the Magna Charta Universitatum declaration , which defines the basic values and principles on which free academic institutions stand. The declaration was created in 1988 on the occasion of the 900th anniversary of the founding of the University of Bologna and has so far been signed by over 900 universities in 88 countries. The new Magna Carta was officially unveiled at this year's virtual university meeting on June 16 and 17, but was originally scheduled to be signed by the rectors of the world's universities last spring in Bologna.
The basic principles of academic institutions according to the Magna Charter Universitatum of 1988 include their independence from political and economic power, the inseparability of research and teaching, freedom of research and teaching, tolerance and openness of dialogue and constant pursuit of universal knowledge. In addition, the new version of the Magna Carta adds to the basic principles and values the social responsibility and benefits of universities, the need to respond to the challenges of today's world and the need to contribute to sustainability.
But the new Magna Carta also emphasizes that education is a lifelong process and is a fundamental human right and must be accessible to all. According to the Charter, universities should support the critical thinking of students and researchers and produce reliable, credible and accessible results in science and research.
"By signing, Masaryk University affirmed not only the values and principles on which we, as a free institution, are founded, but also - like hundreds of other world universities - committed ourselves to strengthening our role in society, protecting the planet and human health, and raising awareness throughout world, "explains the rector of Masaryk University, Martin Bareš .
The new version of the Magna Carta was created mainly due to the drastic changes in science and education that have taken place since the creation of the Joint Declaration of Universities 33 years ago. During that time, the world was unimaginably interconnected and new technologies were clearly reflected not only in science but also in teaching. Globally, the number of students and the number of scientific publications have also increased significantly, while society is losing confidence in its expertise. However, universities continue to be an important driver of change, which is why higher education institutions need to identify fundamental responsibilities and commitments to society and the world and confirm them with their signatures.
"Masaryk University was one of the signatories of the original text of the Charter and it is an honor for us to re-attach our signature. One of the key means by which universities fulfill their role is internationalization and international cooperation in teaching and research. And we must constantly remember this even in this difficult pandemic period, if we want universities worldwide to go in the right direction, "points out B?etislav Dan?ák , Vice-Rector for Internationalization at Masaryk University.
Reference Link: https://www.em.muni.cz/
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