Democracy is in crisis throughout the world, with political developments threatening the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Higher education, science, and the pursuit of knowledge are similarly faced with significant challenges at this time. More than ever, colleges and universities have a crucial role to play in the development and preservation of democratic societies. This moment calls for higher education to actively embrace its civic and democratic purposes, as well as stand for and exemplify democratic values including diversity, inclusivity, tolerance, equity, and open inquiry.

 
It is crucial for the global higher education community—including institutional leaders, faculty, students, government partners, and civil society—to come together. By working collaboratively, this global community can advance shared goals and move closer to a just and equitable future that benefits all.
 
The “Global Forum on Higher Education 2025: Renewal of the Democratic and Civic Mission” will provide an excellent opportunity to foster global collaboration, elevate diverse voices from regions around the world, and create space for shared understandings. The gathering will help shape the work global partners can do together moving forward to effectively renew higher education’s commitment to strengthening democracy on campus, in the wider society, and indeed throughout the world.
 
The Global Forum, hosted by Charles University in Prague on 3-4 June 2025, marks the eighth installment of a collaborative effort between the Council of Europe and the International Consortium for Higher Education, Civic Responsibility, and Democracy. This invitational meeting also marks the second gathering hosted by a larger cooperation—the Global Cooperation for the Democratic Mission of Higher Education—which includes not only the Council and the International Consortium but also the Organization of American States and the International Association of Universities. This forum will serve as a platform for vibrant discourse on democracy and higher education’s civic mission. Its successes will hinge significantly on the caliber of invited speakers and participants across the globe who will propel discussions beyond the current state of affairs. The envisioned interventions will be forward-looking, future-oriented and innovative, aligning with and helping to accomplish the overarching goal of invigorating democratic societies and shaping a genuinely democratic future for all.
 
This two-day meeting will consist of dynamic keynote speakers, several enlightening panels with representatives from different regions of the world, and interactive dialogue sessions among participants. Under the overarching theme of protecting and renewing higher education’s democratic and civic mission, key topics that will be discussed include the democratization of science and research and fostering public trust; academic freedom, rights, and responsibilities; the role of students in realizing the public and civic purposes of higher education; the local place-based democratic mission of universities; and the impact of digital/AI innovations on higher education and democracy. Speakers will present promising practices and innovative solutions to the current challenges across diverse geopolitical landscapes and educational contexts.
 
This invitation-only Forum anticipates the participation of approximately 100 – 150 higher education leaders and public authorities from across Europe, Oceania, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and North, Middle and South America. Their work together will advance higher education's contributions to fostering democratic societies and to shaping the future of citizenship worldwide.