Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Ambassador of SDG 16:
Hanène TURKI
Ph.D. in Public Law
Director of Institut Bourguiba des Langues Vivantes
Ambassador of SDG 16:
Hanène TURKI
Ph.D. in Public Law
Director of Institut Bourguiba des Langues Vivantes
Promoting Peace and Cultural Understanding through Linguistic Diversity
Fostering peace and intercultural understanding through language and tolerance stands at the core of UTM’s mission. By promoting linguistic diversity and inclusive education, the university advances the principles of SDG 16, nurturing globally minded leaders who embody empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect.
Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism Development
Marking its first year, the ALECSO Chair for International Commercial Arbitration (CAACI), under the leadership of Professor Najet Brahmi Zouaoui, held a celebratory event on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the El Mouradi Hotel in Gammarth. The ceremony gathered prominent national and international guests, alongside a large audience of students from Tunisian and international law faculties.
Opening Session
The opening session of the event featured remarks from several distinguished figures, including:
• Professor Mustapha Beltaief, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Tunis
• Professor Moez Chafra, President of the UTM
• Mr. Malek Kochlef, Director General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, representing Minister Moncef Boukthir
• Mr. Moncef Kchaou, First President of the Court of Cassation
• Ms. Uta Staschewski, Regional Delegate of the Hans Seidel Foundation for the Maghreb region
The session was moderated by Professor Najet Brahmi.
Event Highlights and Proceedings
The celebration was attended by notable deans, law professors, and arbitration practitioners, including Ms. Hanène Turki, Director of the Institute of Living Languages.
Tributes:
Acknowledgments were presented to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Rector of the University of Tunis El Manar, the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Tunis, and Professor Najet Brahmi Zouaoui, Director of the ALECSO Chair.
Key Highlight:
A memorandum of understanding was signed between ALECSO, the University of Tunis El Manar, and the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Tunis.
Workshops and Recommendations:
Following the ceremony, workshops commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Arbitration Code, continuing until April 27, 2023. The sessions generated recommendations to strengthen international commercial arbitration practices, which will be published in a special issue of the Arab Journal of the ALECSO Chair for International Commercial Arbitration.
Achievements of the ALECSO Chair
Publications:
• Arab Journal of the ALECSO Chairs: A trilingual, indexed journal edited by Professor Najet Brahmi Zouaoui; the first issue, dedicated to the Chair’s inaugural international conference, has been published in Tunis.
• Collective Work on CSR: Developed in collaboration with the University of Tunis El Manar, the Faculty of Law of Toulon, and the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Tunis.
• Upcoming Publication: A special journal issue commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Arbitration Code.
Signed Agreements:
Between ALECSO and the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Tunis:
• Implementation of diploma-based training programs in arbitration.
• Organization of an annual summer arbitration course at ALECSO headquarters in Tunis.
• Establishment of the ALECSO Chair Prize for International Commercial Arbitration.
Arab Forum and Young Researchers in Arbitration
The Arab Forum for Young Researchers in Arbitration was launched under the ALECSO Chair to unite experts and emerging scholars in strengthening arbitration skills across the region. A core group of participants has already been formed to facilitate ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Learning Arabic as a Means of Intercultural Communication: Arabic language instruction at the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages in Tunis provides international students with opportunities for intercultural communication and cultural exchange. This learning experience enables students to explore Arab culture in depth while fostering meaningful connections with the local community.
Linguistic Diversity as a Pillar of Tolerance
The Bourguiba Institute for Modern Languages in Tunis fosters a multicultural environment by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. This inclusive setting encourages dialogue and reduces prejudice. Notable initiatives include the celebration of World Arabic Language Day, the participation of Korean language teachers, and the involvement of students from both the Bourguiba Institute and Le Moyne College (USA) in the
Presentation of the National Strategy for Ecological Transition
Ms. Leila Chikhaoui Mehdaoui, Minister of Environment, visited the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages in Tunis, highlighting the Institute’s commitment to sustainable development and the SDGs. During her address, she presented the National Strategy for Ecological Transition, emphasizing sustainability integration across sectors and raising student awareness of environmental challenges. The visit reinforced the Institute’s dedication to fostering responsible, informed students engaged in building a sustainable society.
Organization of the Chinese Book Week
The Chinese Book Week, made possible by a generous donation from Sinolingua publishing house, significantly enriched our library’s resources and provided our learners and teachers with deeper access to Chinese language and culture.
The event was further elevated by a remarkable performance from Tunisian students, who sang Chinese songs with both skill and enthusiasm, vividly showcasing their cultural openness. This activity effectively promoted intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and the values of tolerance, diversity, and peace.
Signing of Agreements with Tunisian Institutions
The Institute has signed several agreements with Tunisian institutions (for example: ATCT, SONEDE, TAP, CERT, etc.) to provide targeted language training for their staff. These initiatives help strengthen human capacities within public institutions and enhance institutional communication.
Renewal of IBLV’s Membership in the Sakura Network (2025–2029)
The renewal of membership in the Sakura Network for the 2025–2029 term marks a significant continuation of the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages’ international engagement. It reflects a sustained institutional priority: the advancement of linguistic and cultural competencies, notably facilitated by the longstanding collaboration with the Japan Foundation. This membership is a key component in the Institute’s strategy to cultivate an educational environment characterized by openness, accountability, and robust international connectivity.
Debate Conference on “The Importance of Language Learning”
Students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Tunis, along with international students enrolled in the Arabic program at the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages in Tunis, participated in a debate conference highlighting the significance of language learning.
Arab Forum Organization of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) at the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages in Tunis
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), an internationally recognized exam for assessing Japanese language skills, was hosted at the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages in Tunis. This initiative brought together students and enthusiasts of Japanese culture, fostering linguistic and cultural diversity. The JLPT graduation ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Tunisia, the President of the University of Tunis El Manar, and the Director General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Diplomatic Visit and Educational Collaboration: UK Ambassador at IBLV
The Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Tunisia visited the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages (IBLV), promoting partnership opportunities with the University of Oxford.
Guided Tour of the National Military Museum
Students from the Bourguiba Institute of Modern Languages (IBLV) visited the National Military Museum, located in the Palace of the Rose in Manouba. The museum presents Tunisia’s military history from the Carthaginian era to the present, offering students an educational and cultural experience.
Consultancy and Expertise in Legislative and Policy Development
The Faculty of Law and Political Science of Tunis provides specialized consultancy and expert support in legislative drafting and policy formulation, contributing to the advancement of legal frameworks and governance practices.
Dr. Rabha Ghandri, a specialist in Legislative Drafting, Comparative Law, and Rights in Rem, holds certifications as a trainer in supporting vulnerable populations in access to justice and as a trainer in legislative drafting, both awarded by the German Foundation for International Legal Cooperation (IRZ).
At the Faculty of Law and Political Science of Tunis, the following key initiatives reflect ongoing expertise and innovation in legal education:
• Master’s Program in Legislative Drafting (in cooperation with the Presidency of the Government, established in 2023): Developed and supervised under Dr. Ghandri’s guidance, this program focuses on building professional competencies in legislative techniques and policy formulation.
• Research Laboratory for Conflict Resolution (RELEVE) (established in 2021): In collaboration with IRZ, the lab co-drafted and edited a manual on Quality Standards for Legislative Drafting, contributing to the enhancement of legal research and governance standards.
Key milestones include the presentation of the Legislative Drafting Guide during the Promoting Quality in Legislative Drafting conference (December 2024), the Certificate Award Ceremony in Legislative Drafting (June 2023), and the publication of the Final Synthesis Report summarizing the Legislative Drafting Training Series conducted by IRZ experts (November 2022 – May 2023).
