On 18 September 1988, in the presence of many political leaders and representatives of society, 388 rectors signed the Magna Charta Universitatum. That document remains as relevant to the mission of universities everywhere as it was when it was first signed. It has become the major reference for the fundamental values and principles of the university and over 750 university leaders from all over the world have now signed it. Each year the Magna Charta Observatory organises an international conference to address current challenges in upholding the fundamental values and celebrates in a ceremony as more rectors sign the Magna Charta Universitatum. The 2015 conference and ceremony take place on 17 and 18 September in Bologna.
The theme of the conference is Values Beyond 2015: The Global Challenge for Universities and their Students. It looks at the significance of and challenges to the fundamental values as they impact on students in different parts of the world today and what universities might do to uphold their values, often in difficult and rapidly changing circumstances in the future.
Well known international speakers will provide perspectives and lead discussions and participants from universities around the world will be able to engage closely through a wide range of focused small group discussions. Details can be found in the conference programme.
The conference is open to university leaders and their representatives, higher education professionals and students, policy-makers and higher education stakeholders from all sectors to attend the event. Its purpose is to enable them to respond more effectively to the challenges which they face and anticipate and strengthen their universities’ capability to uphold fundamental values for the benefit of their students, society and their university communities.
On 18 September, the Magna Charta Observatory and the University of Bologna will host the Ceremony for the Signing of the Magna Charta by universities committed to the principles of the Universitatum. More...

The Magna Charta Universitatum is a document signed by the Rectors of most European Universities, when they gathered in Bologna to celebrate the Alma Mater’s 900th Anniversary in 1988. It was drafted as a way to encourage strong bonds among universities, and to state some of their fundamental values, such as independence and autonomy in both education and research.Originating in Europe, the signatories to the Charta have expanded to countries all over the world, with universities from Asia, Africa and America – North, Central and South.

Annual conference and XXVII anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum
from 17 to 18 September 2015
Aula Absidale Santa Lucia, Via de’ Chiari 25a - Bologna 
The 2015 conference and ceremony take place on 17th and 18th September in Bologna. Registrations close: September 2nd, 2015.
Check the Event website: https://eventi.unibo.it/27th-magnacharta-anniversary. More...