At the end of March 2021, the University of Lower Silesia became one of signatories of the international declaration Magna Charta Universitatum. Its community consists of almost 1,000 universities from around the world, including American and European universities, and about 30 units from Poland. The University of Lower Silesia joins this group, thus confirming its academic profile. The formal admittance into the group of signatories took place in June.
The Magna Charta Universitatum is a declaration first signed in 1988. It is a confirmation of the most important principles that constitute the foundations of university missions. These principles include moral and intellectual independence, inseparability of the research and teaching functions, freedom in the search for knowledge, as well as openness and tolerance in debate. Globally, the number and variety of students seeking a university degree has increased, as have their reasons and the expectations of their families and communities.
The principles outlined in the Magna Charta Universitatum are as relevant today as they were in 1988 and are a necessary prerequisite for human progress through inquiry, analysis, and sound action. Universities recognize their duty to engage with and respond to the aspirations and challenges of the world and the communities they serve to benefit humanity and contribute to sustainable development.
By signing the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020, universities declare their commitment to abide by the original declaration and to adhere to and develop the principles, values and responsibilities listed above, to strengthen the role of universities in protecting the planet and promoting health, well-being and enlightenment around the world.
The application of the University of Lower Silesia was approved by the Governing Council of Magna Charta Observatory in Bologna, with the support of the universities of Olomouc (Czech Republic) and Roskilde (Denmark) and the University of Gdańsk.
