USI among the signatories of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020

The Magna Charta Universitatum, originally drafted and signed in Bologna in 1988, is a universal declaration that outlines the fundamental principles of higher education. This includes academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and universities' responsibility to society. So far, 1'011 universities worldwide have signed the document. It has since been updated with the release of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 (MCU 2020), which addresses contemporary challenges in higher education. The Università della Svizzera italiana was among the new signatories at the anniversary event held from 11 November to 13, 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 Office. The signing took place during the annual conference organised by the Magna Charta Observatory titled “What are universities for? Higher education principles, values, and responsibilities in a fragmented world."

The event brought together rectors, scholars, institutional representatives, and students from around the world, who reflected on the role of universities in a global context marked by profound social, geopolitical, and technological transformations. USI was represented by the Pro-Rector for Sustainable Transformation and Equal Opportunities, Prof. Sonja Hildebrand, who officially signed the Charta.

Over three days, participants engaged in presentations, debates, and sessions focused on the university's founding values: the promotion of knowledge, the freedom of research and teaching, and civic engagement with society. The closing ceremony on 13 November marked the induction of new signatory universities into the global network of the Magna Charta, which now includes universities from every continent.

Commenting on USI's participation, Rector Luisa Lambertini said: "The signing of the Magna Charta Universitatum marks an important milestone in reinforcing USI's dedication 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 lie at the heart of our educational and research mission, as outlined in the Charter of Università della Svizzera italiana."

With this signing, USI confirms its contribution to the construction of an open, sustainable and cooperative academic space, capable of addressing the global challenges of the present with a critical spirit and solidarity.