Honoring a legacy of academic freedom
The Magna Charta Universitatum, proclaimed in 1988 on the 900th anniversary of the University of Bologna, championed essential principles that are still relevant today. It emphasized the autonomy of universities, recognized the inseparable nature of teaching and research, and celebrated universities as vibrant spaces for open dialogue and intellectual diversity.
In 2006, our first Rector, Prof. Andrzej Eliasz, signed the Magna Charta Universitatum, marking SWPS University's commitment to academic freedoms. Subsequently, two years ago, Prof. Roman Cieślak signed the updated version of the document.
The 2020 edition of the Magna Charta Universitatum reaffirmed and updated its core principles, acknowledging the universities' responsibility to engage with the world's challenges, promote sustainability, and encourage critical thinking. To this day, over 950 university leaders from around the world have signed this declaration.
Magna Charta Universitatum Celebration in Łódź
The Magna Charta Observatory organizes an annual international conference addressing current challenges in upholding fundamental values and societal responsibility. This year’s conference, themed “Universities and Re-construction of Cities: the Role of Research and Education,” was held at the University of Lodz. The event attracted 126 participants from 36 countries, including notable figures like Arkadiusz Mężyk, president of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP), Petro Kulikov, chair of the Union of Rectors of Ukraine, Mychailo Vynnyckyj, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Adam Pustelnik, deputy mayor of Łódź, Patrick Deane, president of the Magna Charta Observatory Governing Council, Ed Brinksma, president of the Executive Board, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, and Dr. Elfithri Rahmah, representative of UNESCO.
Representatives of universities that have signed the Magna Charta Universitatum; photo: University of Lodz
On the last day of the conference, 36 university rectors from various countries signed the Magna Charta Universitatum. SWPS University's Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Professor Ewa Gruszczyńska, represented the institution during the ceremony. The event was accompanied by a lecture entitled “Europe at a crossroads. Also a challenge for our universities” by former president of the European Council, Prof. Herman van Rompuy.
View the video from the conference