Motion for Immediate Ceasefire in All Conflicts Approved by the Academic Senate

Today, the Academic Senate of the University of Bologna unanimously approved a motion for an immediate ceasefire in all ongoing conflicts. The motion appeals to all international organizations to spare no effort to achieve the suspension of hostilities, thereby ending the deaths of thousands of civilians and the bombing of entire cities.

It calls for the opening of diplomatic channels and humanitarian and medical corridors to assist civilians in need and prevent epidemics, as well as the release of hostages held by all parties.

Additionally, there is a commitment to providing academic assistance to Palestinian students, researchers, and university professors, as well as mobility programmes for studying, conducting research, or pursuing specialization, similar to those already implemented for other conflicts.

Finally, the approved motion urges the enhancement and consolidation of an ongoing process of assessing current collaborations, with particular attention to ethical procurement practices, aiming to prevent any behaviour that could potentially harm the image, reputation, and core values of the University.

This commitment is in line with the new University Code of Ethics and Conduct, which in its preamble requires the observance and promotion of "a culture of awareness and responsibility regarding the dual use of research results, in order to identify the related risks and minimize any damage, in compliance with national, European, and international regulations."