"Envisioning the Future of Democratic Engagement in Higher Education" Speech of the MCO President of the Governing Council
Date:
Event location: Charles University Prague
Type: Special Events
MCO at Global Forum on Higher Education, Prague, June 2025
The President of the MCO's Governing Council, Dr Patrick Deane, gave the keynote address at the triennial Global Forum of Higher Education which was held in Prague on 3 and 4 June 2025.
Under the title "Envisioning the Future of Democratic Engagement in Higher Education" Patrick stressed the importance of autonomy and academic freedom for a just society. They were principles which enabled universities to deliver benefits to society. Hence universities should defend them vigorously.
Universities should not be seen as self-serving but should communicate the benefits which they deliver to society more clearly. Students should be educated in democracy and their responsibilities towards engaging with society.
Fundamental values for universities are set out in the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 and the Living Values project of the Magna Charta Observatory helps universities to operate in accordance with them and engage with society. A reliable social contract between universities and society is needed.
When the autonomy of universities is under attack appeasement may be a temptation, but it is not a sustainable strategy for the self-preservation of universities and they should stand firm, for the sake of society.
