Anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum MCU2020
Mykolas Romeris University is honoured to host the 2026 Anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum (MCU), in collaboration with the Magna Charta Observatory, in Vilnius, on October 14-16, 2026.
This significant event will convene university leaders, scholars, policymakers, and students from around the globe to reflect upon and reaffirm the core values that underpin higher education: academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the university's responsibility to society.
The theme of the 2026 Anniversary has been 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
Registration is open until 29 September 2026.
Further information and registration are available here: