Today, universities must do more than defend academic freedom. They must be able to put it to work for the benefit of society without compromising their independence. This idea has emerged as one of the central themes of the Magna Charta Universitatum Anniversary Conference, “Beyond Resilience: Universities as Active Value-Driven Agents in a Changing World,” currently taking place in Vilnius. On 15 October, global academic leaders gathered at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) to discuss how universities can maintain their autonomy amid growing political pressure while contributing to national security, the responsible use of artificial intelligence and the strengthening of democracy.
Opening the conference, MRU Rector and President of the Lithuanian University Rectors’ Conference (LURK), Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, emphasised that Lithuania’s historical experience gives these discussions particular significance. The closure of Vilnius University by the Russian Empire, the ban on the Lithuanian press and the ideological control imposed on science during the Soviet era illustrate the consequences that the loss of academic freedom can have for society.
“Autonomy gives universities the freedom to ask difficult questions. Academic integrity gives society a reason to trust their answers,” emphasised Prof. Dr. I Žalėnienė.
Liviu Matei, Vice-President of the Governing Council of the Magna Charta Observatory, stressed that Vilnius was not chosen as the conference venue by coincidence. The Lithuanian capital is becoming an important meeting place for international academic discussions. According to him, it is no longer enough for universities simply to speak about academic freedom, autonomy and integrity. They must also address how to fulfil their responsibilities to society and the state while preserving these values.
The conference patron, President of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, Prof. Dr. Habil. Vytautas Nekrošius, emphasised that only autonomous universities can educate critical thinkers who are not afraid to challenge government decisions. In his view, independent universities are among the most important pillars of a free society today.
MRU Rector Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė also highlighted the need to translate academic values into concrete action. She called on universities worldwide to strengthen their support for Ukraine’s academic community by conducting joint research projects, hosting researchers, sharing infrastructure and helping preserve the country’s research potential.
“Resilience is not a declaration. It is about commitments that are not only signed but also fulfilled,” the MRU Rector stressed.
During the morning sessions, international higher education expert and former Head of the World Bank’s Higher Education Unit, Jamil Salmi, examined the global challenges facing universities. Josep M. Garrell, President of the European University Association, and Kathryn Enke, Vice-President of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, discussed how universities on both sides of the Atlantic are responding to political attempts to influence higher education. Representatives of universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Poland and Lithuania shared their experiences of how academic values guide difficult decisions and strengthen institutional resilience.
In the afternoon, international experts will discuss how to reconcile national security interests with university independence. Participants will include Hilligje Van’t Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities, Dr. Eglė Malinauskienė, MRU Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, and representatives of academic communities from other countries.
In a separate session, Jekuk Chang, President of Dongseo University in South Korea, and Massimiliano Marianelli, Rector of the University of Perugia in Italy, will explore the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and its relationship with humanism and peace. As Prof. Dr. I. Žalėnienė remarked during the conference opening, “We can delegate tasks to technology, but we cannot delegate responsibility for the outcomes.”
The day will conclude with discussions on academic freedom in North America, the role of students, the future of European university alliances and quality assurance in higher education. Ugnė Supranavičienė, President of the MRU Doctoral Students’ Association, will participate in the student discussion, while MRU Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saulius Spurga will moderate the session dedicated to higher education quality assurance.
The discussions in Vilnius are united by a fundamental question: how can universities balance their independence with their growing responsibility to society? Academic freedom enables universities to pursue truth and critically examine government decisions. At the same time, universities are increasingly expected to make tangible contributions to addressing challenges related to security, technology and societal development. It is therefore essential not only to safeguard university autonomy but also to demonstrate the value it creates for society.
On 16 October, the event will continue at Vilnius University, where the formal Magna Charta Universitatum Signing Ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. The keynote address will be delivered by Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space. The programme will also include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Magna Charta Observatory and the European Women Rectors Association (EWORA).
Live stream of the conference plenary sessions on 15 October: https://www.youtube.com/live/dm17ABQPxOM
Live stream of the Signing Ceremony on 16 October: https://www.youtube.com/live/oFjriUFwrrA
The event is organised by Mykolas Romeris University in cooperation with the Magna Charta Observatory.
Opening address by MRU Rector Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė (in English).
The photo gallery is available here.