Universities today face a dual challenge: preserving academic freedom amid growing political, financial and technological pressures, while also taking a more active role in shaping the future of the economy, democracy and society. How can these goals be reconciled? This is one of the key questions being addressed at a global gathering of the academic community taking place in Vilnius on 14–16 October.
On 14 October, Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) opened a three-day global Magna Charta Universitatum event in Vilnius, organised jointly with the Magna Charta Observatory (MCO).
This year’s theme, “Beyond Resilience: Universities as Active Value-Driven Agents in a Changing World,” invites participants to explore how universities can do more than respond to emerging challenges and actively contribute to shaping the future of society.
The Baltic Region: From Innovation to European Integration
On 14 October, the pre-conference programme, “Focus on Lithuania and the Region,” explored Lithuania’s innovation potential, the development of higher education in the Baltic States, and the role of Ukrainian universities in preparing for European Union membership.
Welcoming representatives of the international academic community, MRU Rector and President of the Conference of Rectors of Lithuanian Universities (CRLU), Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, linked Lithuania’s history of statehood and the restoration of independence to the importance of academic freedom. She reminded participants that freedom must be safeguarded by every generation, and that the same applies to academic freedom.
“Universities must help shape the future through independent research, open discussion, and the education of people capable of making independent decisions and acting responsibly,” emphasised Prof. Dr. I. Žalėnienė.
These words hold particular significance for MRU, which was established in 1990, following the restoration of Lithuania’s independence. The Rector also recalled the work of Mykolas Römeris, after whom the University is named. One of the founders of Lithuanian constitutional law, he was elected Rector of a university in Kaunas three times and also served as an ad hoc judge at the Permanent Court of International Justice in The Hague. His legacy reflects the conviction that the exercise of power must be constrained by law and that universities must be free to fulfil their academic mission.
The international recognition of this legacy is also symbolised by the naming of a space after Mykolas Römeris at the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg on 11 March 2026.
Following the Rector’s welcome address, MCO Secretary General David Lock addressed the participants. Lithuania’s Minister of the Economy and Innovation and MRU alumnus Edvinas Grikšas then presented the country’s innovation ecosystem.
“Strong partnerships between universities, businesses and public authorities help turn knowledge into innovation, create opportunities for talent and build a more competitive economy,” emphasised E. Grikšas.
The Minister’s presentation was followed by a discussion among the leaders of Baltic universities, moderated by D. Lock. The participants were MRU Rector Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė, Chair of the Latvian Council of Rectors and Rector of Daugavpils University Arvīds Barševskis, and Rector of Tallinn University Priit Reiska.
The rectors of Latvia and Estonia presented the development of higher education in their respective countries. The discussion also addressed current challenges, including attracting students amid demographic changes and the impact of artificial intelligence on research and teaching methods.
The discussion then moved from the Baltic States’ experience in higher education to Ukraine’s preparations for European Union membership. Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Education Mykola Trofymenko and Vice-Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Vadym Popko discussed the role of higher education in this process, the progress achieved, emerging opportunities and the challenges ahead.
The second part of the pre-conference programme focused on the MCO’s activities and ongoing research. Participants discussed how universities respond to society’s needs and contribute to strengthening democracy. Particular attention was also given to student participation in decision-making and universities’ responsibility towards future generations.
15 October: Main Conference; 16 October: Signing of the Magna Charta Universitatum
On 15 October, MRU will host the main conference, where international experts will examine challenges to academic freedom and university autonomy, political pressure on higher education, security issues and the impact of artificial intelligence. Other key topics will include student participation, international university partnerships and the quality of higher education.
On 16 October, Vilnius University will host the formal signing ceremony of the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020. By signing the document, participating universities will reaffirm their commitment to the principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy and social responsibility.
The ceremony will feature an address by Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space. A Memorandum of Cooperation between the MCO and the European Women Rectors Association (EWORA) will also be signed.
Watch the Event Online
The plenary sessions will be streamed online:
- 14 October – Pre-conference programme
- 15 October – Main conference
- 16 October – Magna Charta Universitatum signing ceremony
Read the welcome address by MRU Rector Prof. Dr Inga Žalėnienė.