The signing took place on 13 November at King’s College London. As the document, updated in 2020 to reflect current circumstances and challenges, could only be circulated and accepted by post in 2021 – during the pandemic –, this ceremony provided an opportunity for a formal in-person signing. As a highlight of the conference “What are universities for? Higher education principles, values and responsibilities in a fragmented world”, the Magna Charta Universitatum was solemnly signed during a celebratory event.
Dr Yoan Vilain, Vice-Provost for International and European Affairs, had the honour of signing in person on behalf of Humboldt-Universit?t. “The MCU is in perfect harmony with the founding values of HU from 1808 – and with our ongoing commitment, including together within the Berlin University Alliance, to institutional autonomy and academic freedom,” says Vilain.
First adopted in 1988 by 388 universities, including Humboldt-Universit?t, the Magna Charta Universitatum stands as a commitment to university autonomy, the unity of research and teaching, academic freedom, as well as the open exchange of knowledge.