Anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum MCU 2020 - 2026

MCU Anniversary Conference 2026

Vilnius, Lithuania

14 – 16 October 2026

Beyond Resilience: Universities as Active Value-Driven Agents in a Changing World

Beyond Resilience: Universities as Active Value-Driven Agents in a Changing World

The theme of the 2026 Anniversary was determined by the responses of signatories to the MCO’s survey question: ‘Which of the current concerns or challenges facing your university would you most like the MCO to focus on in the near future?’

Strengthening autonomy and safeguarding academic freedom in environments that were becoming increasingly difficult and more regulated were the main concerns. Building public trust and demonstrating social responsibility were other major concerns. Responding to the rise of populism was another challenge.

The question ‘how to make the MCU a living document with impact on everyday activities, teaching and research’ and similar remarks pointed to an event that was very practical in its focus. In some cases, the context was one of war or other crises and in others, the opportunity for universities to assist their countries in joining the EU was a motivator, a move that would create wider opportunities.

Strengthening democracy through student engagement in curricular design and research was another desire.

Other challenges were in the area of technology, AI, raising quality, quality assurance, safeguarding integrity, increasing international collaboration, including academic mobility for students and generally in ensuring sustainability.

The location of the conference, in Europe, with Lithuania assuming the presidency of the EU in January 2027, and having a supportive relationship with universities in Ukraine, provides firsthand evidence on key themes. International experts

The signing Ceremony was hosted by Vilnius University.