The UHK signed an updated version of the Magna Charta Universitatum
Author: Soňa Jančurová
The Magna Charta Universitatum is a declaration that acknowledges a very long tradition of European universities. The original document was created in 1988 on the occasion of the 900th anniversary of the University of Bologna. It is a document that has been signed by more than 900 universities and there is no surprise the University of Hradec Králové is one of the signatories.
What is the Magna Charta Universitatum about?
The basic principles of academic institutions include independence of all political influence and economic profits, the inseparability of teaching and research, tolerance, open dialogue and constant effort to acquire knowledge.
With the ongoing trend of fast development, where modern technologies influence our daily life, education and ways of research, there was brought up the need of modernization of MCU. It was required that the global academy identifies responsibilities and commitments that the signatories agree are vital to universities around the world in the 21st Century. That is the reason of a new version of the Magna Charta Universitatum. Added points are: socially responsible institutions, benefit humanity, respond to contemporary challenges, and contribute to sustainability.
Kamil Kuča says: “I believe every academic institution should be responsible when it comes to society, our goal is to be an open university that welcomes people with open hands, helps them when needed and is able to react promptly when a challenge occurs. I think the past year was an example of doing it so. Last but not least, it is very important to us to be living in a good environment and we will do as much as we can to protect it.”
Universities acknowledge that education is a human right and should be available to all. Learning is a lifelong activity with tertiary education as one part of a continuum.
By signing this declaration, the universities commit to strengthening the preservation of the planet and promoting health, prosperity and enlightenment around the world.
„Here, at the UHK, we acknowledge these traditional principles but the new ones are even more important these days. I am honored to be one of the signatories and be the representative of the UHK. I promise you once the UHK will be needed again, we will be ready for action, “ concludes the UHK rector Kamil Kuča.
