Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the President of the Republic of Tunisia will be presented with an honorary doctorate by Bilkent University at the Bilkent Concert Hall on Friday, March 23 at 11:15 a.m. The university community is invited to attend the special ceremony as President Ben Ali is honored.

Ben Ali began his active role in the political life of Tunisia when, as a student, he joined the nationalist movement. For this involvement he was imprisoned and excluded from all educational institutions in Tunisia. When Ben Ali was finally able to pursue his educational training he did so in France, and later the United States, receiving a degree in electrical engineering as well as specialized military training. Upon his return to Tunisia he initially applied his expertise in the area of defense but then moved into government, eventually assuming the title of President on November 7, 1987.

Ben Ali’s accomplishments as President include amending the Constitution to exclude life presidency and automatic succession, establishing a Constitutional Council to guarantee the constitutionality of all laws, and providing an opening for political pluralism and a multi-party system. Under Ben Ali’s leadership Tunisia is a pioneer in protecting human rights in a comprehensive concept including economic, social and cultural rights with civic and political rights. In the economic realm, Ben Ali’s achievements include implementing reforms which have led to a sustained economic growth rate combined with low inflation, attracting foreign investors, and creating possibilities for income-generating projects, especially in undeveloped, isolated areas of the country. Also during Ben Ali’s presidency, educational reforms and constitutional amendments, continue to improve the status of women. In the diplomatic realm Ben Ali is actively involved in promoting peace in the Middle East, seeking solutions to the conflicts in Africa, and establishing strong ties with Europe.