The Global Forum on Higher Education 2025 brought together academic leaders and international organizations to discuss how universities can strengthen democracy and civic engagement.
The Global Forum on Higher Education 2025, dedicated to the theme “Renewal of the Democratic and Civic Mission”, took place on 3–4 June 2025 at Charles University in Prague.
Organized by the Global Cooperation for the Democratic Mission of Higher Education – a partnership that includes the Council of Europe, the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility, and Democracy, the International Association of Universities (IAU), the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Magna Charta Observatory (MCO) – the Forum brought together academic leaders, institutions, international organizations, and civil society representatives to discuss the role of higher education in strengthening democracy and civic engagement.
The MCO, as a member of the Global Cooperation and International Consortium Steering Committee, actively participated in the Forum’s proceedings. Patrick Blessinger, representing the MCO, served as a keynote speaker during the conference, which also saw the participation of our Director.
The Rapporteur’s Report, drafted by Prof. Heather Campbell (University of British Columbia, Canada), provides a summary of the main discussions and priorities that emerged, emphasizing the urgency of collective and systemic action to renew the civic and democratic mission of higher education.
