USI among the signatories of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020

The Magna Charta Universitatum, first drafted and signed in Bologna in 1988, is a universal declaration of the fundamental principles of higher education, which include academic freedom, institutional autonomy and the responsibility of universities towards society. To date, more than 950 universities worldwide have signed the document, which has been updated in the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 (MCU 2020) version to address contemporary challenges. Università della Svizzera italiana will be among the new signatories at the anniversary event to be held from 11 to 13 November 2025 at King's College London.

USI's application to sign the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 was promoted and prepared by the International Relations and Study Abroad Service. The signing will take place during the annual conference organised by the Magna Charta Observatory, "What are universities for? Higher education principles, values and responsibilities in a fragmented world". The event will bring together rectors, scholars, institutional representatives and students from around the world to reflect on the role of universities in a global context marked by profound social, geopolitical and technological transformations. USI will be represented by the Pro-Rector for Sustainable Transformation and Equal Opportunities, Prof. Sonja Hildebrand, who will officially sign the charter.

During the three days, participants will be involved in presentations, debates and sessions dedicated to the founding values of the university institution: the promotion of knowledge, freedom of research and teaching, and civic engagement with society. The closing ceremony on 13 November will mark the entry of the new signatory universities into the global Magna Charta network, which now includes universities from all continents.

Commenting on USI's participation, Rector Luisa Lambertini said: "The signing of the Magna Charta Universitatum marks an important milestone in reinforcing USI's commitment to the core values of the university: academic freedom, openness, and social responsibility.

We are honoured to join the international community of signatories, embracing principles that are central to our educational and research mission, as outlined in the Charter of Università della Svizzera italiana."

With this endorsement, USI affirms its commitment to creating an open, sustainable, and collaborative academic environment capable of addressing global challenges with critical thinking and solidarity.