Nov. 6 – Tuscany and Tunisia stand together in the name of cooperation, training and legal advice, as Siena gets ready for tomorrow’s “Tunisia: Spring of the Constitution” conference. The Aula Magna of the University of Siena opens its doors at 9:15am Italian and Tunisian professors and experts, along with some of the protagonists of the Tunisian constitution-making process, who will discuss the country’s new constitution. “The new Tunisian constitution is modern and open, a shining example for the entire Islamic world,” notes Professor Tania Groppi, Law Professor at the University of Siena, who closely monitored the Tunisian Constituent Assembly, representing the Region of Tuscany in an international cooperation project. “The text – continues Groppi – is up to date with western constitutions, and also deals with important topics like environmental sustainability, protection of water resources, and personal data protection. With regard to the specific aspects of Islamic society, the Tunisian Constitution is careful to balance a secular state with the freedom of religion and the protection of minorities. The text is also very advanced in terms of gender equality and the promotion of women in elected assemblies.” The University of Siena collaborated with the project “Support activities in the constitutional process and success of decentralization in Tunisia,” part of the international activities of the Tuscany Region. The project brought about special training activities and legal advice, mainly dedicated the issue of decentralization, for Tunisian university students, civil servants, public officials, and representatives of civil society. The activities carried out by the University of Siena, along with the University of Carthage and Sousse in Tunisia, are connected to the theme of social sustainability. (PO / Gil)
