Stockholm university

Stockholm University signs the Declaration for a Strong Democracy

Stockholm University is now joining several others in signing “The Declaration for a Strong Democracy", coordinated by The Committee for a Strong Democracy. The declaration aims to unite the forces supporting democracy and to encourage more people to take a clear stand and work to strengthen democracy.

Astrid Söderbergh Widding signs the declaration. Photo: Jens Lasthein
Astrid Söderbergh Widding signs the declaration. Photo: Jens Lasthein

“Universities have a key role in the democratic society through their mission to impart knowledge and to freely seek new knowledge, where academic freedom is a requirement. Stockholm University wants to emphasize this by supporting the Declaration of Democracy”, says Astrid Söderbergh Widding, President of Stockholm University.

Those who adopt the declaration undertake an obligation to contribute to the goals stated in the declaration during the years 2020–2021. The goals are:

  • Increase knowledge and awareness of the democratic system.
  • Increase democratic engagement and encourage more people to support democracy.
  • Foster a debate climate characterised by openness and respect.

Among the commitments that Stockholm University has adopted it is stated that the university occupies a key position in the democratic society through research that creates and disseminates knowledge; research collaboration makes the university's capability and results available. Collaboration leads to mutual benefits through flows of ideas and knowledge, between the university and various actors in the surrounding society such as the cultural, business and the public sector and contributes to societal development, nationally as well as internationally.

The university has previously also identified 16 profile areas, each of which includes several strong research environments which includes extensive education. One of these profile areas is "Power, Democracy and Welfare". This includes, among other things, studies on climate change, migration and globalization and examines how these affects and are affected by management and governance at different levels as well as by the various institutions of democracy.

You may read the complete Stockholm University commitment by clicking here.

Read more about The Committee for a Strong Democracy at https://vardemokrati.se/english/.