Higher education leaders and policy makers adopted a declaration at a higher education forum seminar organised by the Council of Europe last June. This declaration affirms the responsibility of higher education to safeguard democracy and promote a democratic culture by supporting the principles of:

• Democratic and accountable structures, processes and practice;
• Active democratic citizenship;
• Human rights, mutual respect and social justice;
• Environmental and societal sustainability;
• Dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

This declaration has been produced following awareness of a crisis to commitment to and practice of democracy, and taking into account the important role of higher education as a promoter of democratic principles.

The participants pledged to undertake efforts in their institutions and associations to launch a debate about this declaration. They called on the Council of Europe to coordinate a website through which associations can announce their activities throughout the year.