At King’s College London University of Prishtina Signs the Magna Charta Universitatum

The University of Prishtina has formally reaffirmed its commitment to the fundamental values of higher education by signing in person the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020 (MCU2020). The Charter was signed by the Rector of the University of Prishtina, Prof. Arben Hajrullahu, during the 2025 Anniversary Event and Conference of the Magna Charta Observatory, held from 11 – 13 November 2025 at King’s College London. The University was represented by Rector Hajrullahu and the Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Academic Exchange, Prof. Rozafa Basha.

University of Prishtina first endorsed the original Magna Charta Universitatum of 1988 in 2003, and subsequently signed the updated MCU2020 virtually in 2021 amid COVID-19 restrictions. The 2025 event therefore represents the occasion on which the University signed the MCU2020 in person, underscoring its renewed dedication to these principles.

The Magna Charta Universitatum —initially signed in 1988 by 388 university leaders on the 900th anniversary of the University of Bologna— articulates the core principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy. It remains one of the most respected global references for guiding the mission, governance, and values of universities. Following an extensive international consultation, the Charter was revised in 2020 to reflect new developments in higher education while preserving the foundational commitments of the original text. The updated version acknowledges the increasingly global role of universities and their evolving responsibilities to society.

This year’s anniversary conference, hosted by King’s College London, brought together university leaders, scholars, policymakers, and students from around the world under the theme: “What are universities for? Higher education principles, values and responsibilities in a fragmented world.” Across three days, participants engaged in keynote lectures, panel discussions, case studies, and interactive sessions addressing academic freedom, institutional autonomy, public accountability, student engagement, and the contemporary mission of universities.

The event concluded with a solemn Signing Ceremony in the historic Chapel of King’s College London, where new signatories —including the University of Prishtina— formally endorsed the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020.

By signing the Charter in person, the University of Prishtina reasserts its dedication to the enduring values of academic freedom, autonomy, and service to society, while strengthening its place within the global higher education community and reaffirming its commitment to internationally recognized academic principles.