On 13 November 2025, a ceremonial signing of the Magna Charta Universitatum took place in London, within the prestigious walls of King’s College London. This is one of the most important documents of the international academic community, setting out the fundamental principles on which the mission of universities should be based. On behalf of the University of Białystok, the document was signed by Dr hab. Agnieszka Piekutowska, Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation.
“This extremely significant event has a dual dimension. On the one hand, it is a recognition of the achievements of the University of Białystok, an acknowledgment that for many years our University has been implementing the values enshrined in the Charter, such as the autonomy of academic institutions, the freedom of teaching and conducting research, and care for the development and protection of the universal body of knowledge. On the other hand, it is also a commitment for the future. Academic values freedom of research and teaching, as well as the autonomy of university structures—are not given once and for all. They require constant protection, cultivation and an ongoing readiness to defend them in the face of new social, economic and political challenges,” said Dr hab. Agnieszka Piekutowska, Vice-Rector of the University of Białystok.
She added that these points were also emphasised by David Lock, Secretary General of the Magna Charta Observatory, during the international conference “What are universities for? Higher education principles, values and responsibilities in a fragmented world”, which accompanied the signing of this important document.
By signing the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020, the University of Białystok not only accepts the commitments of the original 1988 declaration, but also declares its intention to uphold and further develop the principles, values and responsibilities aimed at strengthening the role of universities in protecting the planet, promoting health and the well-being of societies, fostering rational knowledge and the idea of the common good on a global scale.
The signing of the document constitutes a clear and unequivocal message addressed to the local, national and global community that universities:
The Magna Charta Universitatum, first signed in 1988 in Bologna by 388 universities from around the world, constitutes a fundamental manifesto of academic freedom and institutional independence.
Its renewed 2020 version responds to contemporary challenges facing higher education and highlights the global role of universities, both in civilisational development and in service to local communities.
To date, the MCU has been signed by more than 1,000 universities from 94 countries.
In April of last year, we reported that the largest university in the Podlaskie region had been admitted to the group of signatories of the Magna Charta Universitatum.
Photo source: Magna Charta Observatory
