Conference & Ceremony for the signature of the Magna Charta Universitatum - MCU 2020
Date:
Event location: Aula Absidale Santa Lucia - Via de' Chiari - Bologna, Italy
Type: Magna Charta Anniversaries
Thursday, 15th September
Opening
The opening statements of this year's anniversary were given by Dr. Giovani Molari, Rector of the University of Bologna, and Dr. Patrick Deane, President of the Magna Charta Observatory (MCO) Governing Council and Principal of Queen’s University in Canada.
During his welcome speech, Dr. Molari stressed that higher education institutions are crucial for societies around the globe as they provide tools that help tackle present and future issues. He also mentioned three axes that characterize the distinctive features of the universities and their connection to society. Firstly, they consist of spaces that bring together individuals with different backgrounds, countries, and languages. Embracing this diversity gives opportunities to design and test highly heterogenous plans, collaborations, research, methods, etc. Secondly, they are characterized by a continuous pursuit of innovation, value sharing, and a concern for the surroundings, and the different contexts, to be at the forefront of societal needs and changes. Finally, their impact should go beyond the university walls, affecting local, national, and international environments. Therefore, the nature of these institutions should be inclusive, diverse, multicultural, and multilingual to allow the construction of academic knowledge that promotes social progress and is engaged in local and global contexts.
Dr. Deane started his welcome speech by thanking the University of Bologna for its continuing support of the Observatory. Due to the pandemic, this was the first year that the anniversary was taking place live since 2019.
While mentioning the importance of the event and the theme of this year’s anniversary, ‘Universities engaging with societies in turbulent times, he recalled the first version of the Magna Charta signed in Bologna in 1988. The values contained in this document are still important nowadays, especially in the context of increasing authoritarian governments and inequalities emerging from COVID-19. The MCO and the universities still have much to do to defend and advance these values internationally.
Key Note Addresses
The keynote session featured Dr. Chris Brink, former Rector of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, and Dr. Ronald J. Daniels, President of the Johns Hopkins University in the US discussing the topics ‘Our academic responsibility to society’ and ‘The University and Liberal Democracy’, respectively.
Our academic responsibility to society
Dr. Brink started his speech by affirming that this was a fortunate event, as many universities came to sign the Magna Charta version of 2020. The first Magna Charta (1988) has as its main principles university autonomy and academic freedom, considering them fundamental to academic life. Although they remain important and require vigilance and a willingness to defend them, the revised version (MCU 2020) reflects a shift in the understanding of the role and the purpose of higher education. It acknowledged the responsibility of the universities in engaging and responding to society. Therefore, it adds two keywords: ‘responsiveness’ and ‘responsibility’.
That shift was the central theme of his presentation. According to Dr. Brink, there was a shift in the understanding of what universities do and why they do it. To explain this change, he reflected that academics from past generations had a common belief that their role was to produce and disseminate knowledge, and doing this well was the goal. Therefore, what was done with the knowledge produced was not a priority concern for these scholars. In that view, analogous to Adam Smith’s metaphor of the invisible hand of the market - the free production of knowledge would result, in the long run, in positive outcomes for society. However, this perspective fails to address the present needs of society. Since the 1990s, there has been a growing literature engaging with social engagement and impact, and since the 2010s, there are rankings to measure the social impact of research.
As in the economic sphere, where the idea of corporate responsibility was incorporated by companies, universities must have a similar preoccupation. Higher education institutions (HEI) should not only worry about excellence, but they should also be aware of and concerned about their impact. COVID-19 demonstrated the importance of this through the collaborative effort of universities providing research for vaccines, tests, studies, genomic decoding, etc. Dr. Brink mentioned that for universities and academics, it is generally easy to answer the question ‘what we are good at?’ ‘What we are good for?’ however, is not as simple to explain.
Having this in mind, Dr. Brink mentioned that the focus of the Magna Charta Observatory's research committee was going to be ‘the responsiveness and responsibility of universities’; topics which were understudied. These concepts are of particular relevance to the MCO, as academic freedom without responsibility cannot be sustained. Beyond that, from the perspective of morality, if universities have the resources to contribute and address the challenges of society, they should do so. Therefore, academic freedom will be strengthened when we talk about responsibility. He made it clear that this agenda comes with a risk of being misunderstood. The idea is not to put responsibility ahead of academic freedom, but to unite them both, understanding it as a 'two-way road'.
He concludes his speech by inviting the public to, when returning to their universities, ask two questions:
The University and Liberal Democracy
Dr. Daniels started his presentation by thanking the MCO for the opportunity to address an audience that, like him, believes in the role of the universities for a fairer, more just, and more democratic world. Throughout his speech, he reflected on the connections between universities and democracy, trying to expose how universities can contribute to enhancing democracy, understood by him as a government in which majority rule is carefully bound with restrictions to protect minorities, individuals, and human rights.
The title of his presentation was inspired by a speech by William Rainey Harper, the first president of the University of Chicago in 1899, ‘University and Democracy’. In this speech, Harper referred to the creation of the University of Bologna in the 11th century as the creation of an inherently democratic space based on a democratic idea, as were other universities long before European countries themselves become democratized. Universities need liberal democracy to thrive. However, it is a two-way road. He points out four ways in which universities can contribute to democracy.
Firstly, by allowing social mobility. All people should have the possibility to succeed based on their aptitudes, capacities, and interests. At this moment, access to universities in the United States, and many other countries, is still unequal. Therefore, university leaders, government, and the community have a significant role in making the universities more open, allowing access to different groups.
Secondly, universities educate students about values and history which are important components of civic education. Thus, courses on democratic citizenship, which consider the local contexts and necessities, are important, and should also be part of the university curriculum, giving tools that enable students to exercise and defend democracy and democratic values.
Thirdly, universities steward facts and cultivate expertise that can be used to inform public policymaking and contribute to social justice. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community played an important role, not only in developing vaccines and tests but also in studies about the transmission, physical and psychological effects, economic impacts, trends, etc. For these initiatives to thrive it was necessary to have open access and dialogue in the university world. This necessity was also perceived during the pandemic as shared research and the data emerging were very relevant for dealing with the scenario.
Fourthly, universities have a central role in fostering pluralism, which is essential for democracy. University environments bring people together from different backgrounds and teach them how to engage collaboratively. He mentioned that, for many students, universities are the first space where people encounter the “different”. They, therefore, act as ‘microcosmos’, allowing people to interact, get out of their bubbles and engage with different views and perspectives based on different political, social, and economic backgrounds. However, Dr. Daniels argued that universities can and should do more. This related to his first point, the question of equal access, and also to the capacity of universities to engage and create the ‘microcosmos’.
He concluded by asking universities to step up and renew their commitment to democracy.
Discussion of the presentations
Interesting reflections and questions were raised by participants. The first point was related to vaccination and COVID-19. Regarding this, it was affirmed that the universities did well with research, data analysis, etc, but the distribution of vaccines needed to be improved.
Some points concerning power relations and decolonization were also addressed. The need to promote the decolonization of the universities and their curricula and reflect on the power dynamics between different countries, and groups was stressed. Moreover, the necessity of having the encountered of ‘different’ inside the universities and collaboration between the global North and South was mentioned.
Finally, Dr. Deane concluded with a consideration of the role of the universities in promoting justice and social change. Mentioning a speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King at Newcastle University in 1967, the problems of war, racism, and poverty are still currently more than 50 years later. Dr. Deane closed the session by leaving participants with the question: ‘what are universities going to do?’
Universities supporting society in times of crisis and preparing for uncertain futures- Panel Session
Following the keynote addresses, two academics were invited to share their experience and perspectives on the role of universities in a context of crisis. For this panel, Dr. Sibongile Muthwa, Vice-Chancellor, and Principal of Nelson Mandela University, talked about universities in Africa, especially in South Africa, and presented her university as a case study. Following her talk, Dr. Roman Gryniuk, Rector of Vasyl' Stus Donetsk National University, discussed the situation of Ukrainian universities in the context of war.
Dr. Muthwa addressed three points during her speech. She first contextualized the role of universities in turbulent times. These institutions were being challenged to act in this context and contribute to shaping a more just and fair reality. Then, she contextualized the HEI landscape in South Africa and shared some examples of how Nelson Mandela University is contributing to and engaging with society. Finally, she shared some considerations of the necessities and the role of universities in the present time.
On the first point, she stressed the importance of acknowledging the role of universities in being active actors and becoming even more engaged with society. She also considered the impact of wars and displacement on Higher Education Institutions. These factors surrounding universities affect and influence the students, the academic body, and the universities themselves in a myriad of ways, shaping research, collaboration, availability, mental health, etc. As an example, she cited the situation in Ukraine.
In the second part of her address, Dr Muthwa focused on the impact of two big and disruptive events in the South African higher education system.
The first event was internal and was commonly referred to with the hashtag ‘#Feesmustfall’. It started in October 2015 as a student-led protest movement against the increase in HEI fees. It grew in size and scope to call for more investment in the educational sector and to advocate for changes in universities' curricular, to make them more diverse, local, and inclusive. Two observations from this movement were: 1. the failure of the response of universities to deal with the protests and to dialogue with the students; 2. the failure of the state to offer support and guidance to the universities. Among the lessons learned were the need to adopt a more collaborative mindset and praxis, and a greater willingness to encourage and engage with diversity and interact with society.
The second disruptive event was the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a lot of changes in universities not only in South Africa but across the globe and the search for innovative solutions and adaptations in teaching methods. As with the #Feesmustfall movement, quick response and willingness to change were necessary. They also both prompted discussions regarding inequalities and the necessity for the decolonization of HEI curriculums and structures.
As an example of what has been done at Nelson Mandela University to increase engagement with society, Dr. Muthwa presented some case studies. One of them was the project ‘Hubs of convergence’, a programme created at the university where people from the university can engage and discuss practical problems in the surroundings.
Dr. Muthwa concluded by suggesting that universities should be understood as global communities, which are constantly reflecting on their role and are in tune with global changes. She affirmed the need for universities to engage in a collaborative relationship and develop interdisciplinarity, seen as the only way to promote a more just society. Moreover, universities should engage in intergenerational conversation and be courageous to engage with community knowledge in the university. Universities should not be perceived as the only holders of knowledge.
Dr. Roman Gryniuk’s speech focused mainly on two topics: describing the situation of the Vasyl' Stus Donetsk National University following the Russian invasion in 2014, and the major effects of this and the current invasion on higher education institutions (HEI) in Ukraine; and secondly the solutions found to remedy the situation, as far as possible, and keep universities running.
He reported that over 2000 educational institutions had been affected by the war and at least 200 had been destroyed. Beyond that, the human cost of the war greatly affected the HEI, costing the lives of people of all ages and also affecting people psychologically and economically.
In the specific case of Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Dr. Gryniuk mentioned that the university had had to face two evacuations; one by the Nazis during the second world war and the second in 2014 which was forced by the Russian invasion. Due to this, the University represents, even more than usual, a special place, which offers support and shelter to its students and staff. To adapt to this new scenario and to guarantee the continuity of university activities, back in 2014, long before the pandemic, the university had started introducing online classes and activities, using cloud technology to save important documents, etc. He stressed the role of the university and its responsibility not only towards the students but the academic staff and the community in general.
During the entire period, the university has been continuing contact with its students and staff, offering all necessary support, including psychological. Based on this experience, Dr. Gryniuk affirmed that higher education institutions are not only about the infrastructure. The people and their capacity to adapt are also essential components. And despite the war in 2022 having deeply affected the life of the university, forcing international students to leave the country, the temporary suspension of classes, and affecting other activities, especially, research, the university continued to operate and intended to continue doing so. He also mentioned the importance of universities in joining forces for the social good and serving society, promoting joint scientific research according to the actual necessities and contexts. As an example of this, his university intended to create specific interdisciplinary programmes related to conflict and emergencies, such as management of post-conflict territories, digital business diplomacy, rehabilitation psychology in an emergency, ecological and chemical safety, social entrepreneurship, etc.
During his speech, Dr. Gryniuk also highlighted a common concern of the academic community regarding the possibility of brain drain from Ukraine. However, he emphasized that education and science had no borders in a modern civilized world and suggested that the global academic community should work together to pursue scientific progress. He also mentioned the interest of his university in building sustainable partnerships with international institutions and foreign universities. He concluded by hoping for peace and solidarity around the world.
After the two panelists had spoken, the audience commented on the seriousness of the current situation and the importance of the work of universities including their role in promoting a fairer and more just future. In response to a question regarding the best way of supporting universities that are suffering the effects of war, it was felt that the implementation of joint research projects on a parity basis with international educational institutions would be very helpful.
There was also a brief discussion regarding the widespread attack on universities directly by war and arrests and indirectly by budget cuts, electoral interference, fake news, etc especially the effects on humanities courses, research, and academics. Therefore, creating critically engaged scholars, reflecting upon inequalities, and acting responsibly toward societies were felt to be important for the future of HEI.
A recording of the session can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbNQn_6Xp_U
Morning- arrival of participants
Aula Absidale Santa Lucia
Via de’ Chiari 25/A
Plenary sessions
14.00 Registration
14.30 Welcome and introduction
Patrick Deane, President of the Magna Charta Observatory Governing Council, Canada
14.35 Universities in the News
Session led by University World News, looking at the stories making the news, why they are making the news, and how universities might engage constructively with the media
15.35 Global Citizenship Education in 2022
Massimiliano Tarozzi, UNESCO Chair in Global Citizenship Education in Higher Education, Professor of General and Social Education at the Department of Life Quality Studies, Italy
Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna, Italy
Collaboration between the University and local Government
16.35 Refreshment break
17.00 Universities, Academic Freedom, and Human Rights
Rita Monticelli, University of Bologna, Italy, City Councilor for Human Rights and inter-
religious dialogue
18.00 Close of pre-conference programme
09.00 Arrival and registration of participants
09.30 Opening
Welcome
Giovanni Molari
Rector of the University of Bologna and President of the Magna Charta Observatory, Italy
Introduction
Patrick Deane
President of the Magna Charta Observatory Governing Council, Canada
09.45 Keynotes
Our academic responsibility to society’
Chris Brink
formerly Rector of the University of Newcastle, UK
The University and Liberal Democracy
Ronald J. Daniels
President Johns Hopkins USA
Questions and Discussion
11.15 Refreshment break
11.45 Universities supporting society in times of crisis and preparing for uncertain futures
Panel Session (see content note below)
11.45 Chair
Patrick Deane
President of the Magna Charta Observatory Governing Council, Canada
Panel members
11.50 Sibongile Muthwa
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
12.05 Roman Gryniuk,
Rector, Vasyl’ Stus Donetsk National University, Ukraine
12.30 Q&A
12.45 MCO Update
David J. Lock
Secretary General of the Magna Charta Observatory
12.55 Briefing for the afternoon session
1315 Lunch
Cloister San Giovanni in Monte
Tables of up to 10 people, each led by a speaker on a specific theme relating to the Conference (see list herebelow).
Participants will choose a topic and go to the relevant table. Forty five minutes later, on the sounding of a bell, participants will move to another table for a different topic for the second session. Forty five minutes later, on the sounding of a bell, participants will move to the third session of the afternoon.
10 min. introduction of the topic by speaker: (distributing a printed summary to participants at the table)
30 min. of questions and discussions from the participants
A note will be taken of each discussion which will be written up into a resource for the MCO website.
Topics
Tables hosted by speakers from the morning sessions will provide the opportunity for further questions and discussion of those topics
1. Student perspectives on principles, values and responsibilities of universities: focussing on academic freedom, institutional democracy and ethical research
Host: Sherine Omondi, Global Student Forum
Rapporteur: Julie Sanders
(Session led by GSF and ESU)
2. Student perspectives on teaching and research being inseparable with students engaged in the search for knowledge and greater understanding
Host: Martina Darmanin, President of the European Students' Union (ESU)
Rapporteur: Caroline Sundberg
(Session led by GSF and ESU)
3. Supporting Universities in conflict zones
Host: Roman Grynyuk, Rector, Vasyl` Stus Donetsk National University, Ukraine
Rapporteur: Anna Osmolovska
4. Defending autonomy: the case of Boğaziçi University
Host: Taner Bilgiç, Professor, Bogazici University, Turkey
Rapporteur: Gulsun Saglamer
5. Academic Freedom in Russia – turbulent times and the role of academia in society
Host (and rapporteur): Milica Popovic, Fellow in residence Global Observatory on Academic Freedom (GOAF)
Speaker: Elizaveta Potapova, Researcher – PPMI (See note below)
(Session led by GOAF)
6. Approaches to forming a social contract with civil society
Host: Chris Brink, formerly Rector of the University of Newcastle, UK
Rapporteur: Sijbolt Noorda
7. University engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals
Host: Andreas Corcoran, Deputy Secretary General, International Association of Universities
Rapporteur: Klaus Beiter
(Session with IAU)
8. Engaging with Arab Universities
Host: Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary General, Association of Arab Universities
Rapporteur: Mohamed Loutfi
9. Universities without walls: EUA vision for 2030
Host: Amanda Crowfoot, Secretary General EUA
Rapporteur: Astrid Soederbergh Widding
(Session with EUA)
10. Creating Equity and Fairness: Gender
Host: Cristina Demaria, Vice-Rector Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna
Rapporteur: Raffaella Campaner
(Session with UNIBO)
11. The role of universities in supporting at-risk-scholars in times of crisis
Host: Claudia Padovani & Ester Gallo, Italian Chapter of Scholars at Risk
Rapporteur: Francesca Helm
(Session with SAR)
12. MCO Research Strategy: setting the agenda with universities
Host: Giga Zedania, Chair of the MCO Research Committee
Rapporteur: Julia Berruezo
13. Living your Values: the MCO’s Living Values Project
Host: John Davies, MCO Ambassador
Rapporteur: Maria Napoli, Professor,Università degli studi del Piemonte Orientale & MCO Ambassador
14. Engaging with the media
Host: Brendan O'Malley, Editor in Chief, University World News
Rapporteur: Ella Ritchie
15. The Impact of Universities on the 2030 Global Skills Crisis: Using graduate degrees, executive education and continued education to combat the global skills crisis
Host: Salah Kahlil, Macat International Ltd
Rapporteur: Romita Iucu
14.45 World Café Session 1
15.35 World Café Session 2
16.25 World Café Session 3
17.15 Close of World Café session
19.30 Conference gala dinner
Museum of the History of Bologna - Palazzo Pepoli,
Via Castiglione 8
Dress code: Business formal
09.45 Arrival of participants
10.15 Ceremony for the signature of the MCU2020
Opening remarks
Giovanni Molari, Rector of the Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, and President of the Magna Charta Observatory
Keynote
Stefania Giannini
Assistant Director-General for Education, UNESCO
formerly, Minister of Higher Education, University and Research, in Italy
Signature of the Magna Charta Universitatum
Words of thanks on behalf of Signatories
Concluding remarks
Patrick Deane, President of the Magna Charta Observatory Council
12.00 – 14.00 Closing buffet lunch
