The tenth edition of the Summer School: Democracy and Development, held at the UNIVERSITÀ DI SIENA, Italy, was a milestone in the international academic scene. The event attracted professors and students from various parts of the world, standing out for the depth of the discussions and the relevance of the topics addressed.
During five intense days, participants explored a wide range of topics crucial to the development of Law and contemporary society. The event opened with a performance by the choir and a Master’s Lecture led by Prof. Dr. André Ramos Tavares, Coordinator of the Stricto Sensu Postgraduate Program – Master’s in Law at UNIALFA. The lecture addressed the ethical and practical dilemmas of digital platforms and artificial intelligence, offering a comprehensive view of the emerging challenges in this area.
In the following days, discussion panels focused on topics such as Constitutional Justice, Digital Democracy, Gender and Equality, Human Rights, Environment and Sustainability, among others. The contributions of Dr. Thiago Matsushita, Dr. Lauro Ishikawa, Dr. André Ramos Tavares, Dr. Marina Faraco, Dr. Waleska Miguel Batista, Dr. Bruno Lorencini, Dr. Daniela Bucci Okumura, Dr. Guilherme Amorim, Dr. Júlio Cesar Vellozo, Dr. Maitê Moro, Dr. Mariana Baeta, Dr. Mariane Stival, Dr. Rennan Thamay, M.E. Alexandre Nascimento Pinheiro, M.E. Denise Pineli, M.E. Eduardo Guedes, M.E. Gabriela Prioli, and Ms. Juliana Mendonça e Silva, professors at the ALFA EDUCAÇÃO School of Law, among other renowned experts who enriched the debate with their perspectives and experiences, stood out.
On July 9th, the book by Dr. André Ramos Tavares, Coordinator of the Master's and Doctorate in Law at FADISP, entitled “THE NEW MATRIX: (RE)Programmed Law in the Platformized Civilization” was launched. The book provokes reflections on how advanced technologies are redefining contemporary Law and profoundly influencing society. It argues that the traditional legal system faces significant challenges with the rise of large technology corporations, which control data and complex algorithms, shaping new forms of regulation and governance. The book proposes an urgent structural review of Law to adapt it to the ethical, social and technological dilemmas of the digital age, highlighting the need for a “reprogrammed Law” that can respond effectively to the transformations of the 21st century. The book promises to be essential reading for students, legal professionals and anyone interested in the future of social and legal relations in this new digital paradigm.
On July 10th, a crucial meeting took place between the Dean of the ALFA Education School of Law, Prof. Dr. Thiago Matsushita, the Rector of UNIVERSITÀ DI SIENA, Prof. Roberto Di Pietra, the Ambassador of Brazil, Renato Mosca, and Prof. Dr. André Ramos Tavares, Coordinator of Masters and Doctorate Programs at FADISP. This meeting strengthened institutional ties and opened doors for new academic projects that will benefit students from both universities. We look forward to the opportunities that this partnership will bring!
The event was not limited to theoretical discussions, but also included cultural visits, such as to the Col di Lamo Winery, further enriching the participants' experience.
The closing ceremony of the Summer School was marked by an emotional ceremony, where academic leaders, including Dr. Thiago Matsushita and Dr. André Ramos Tavares, highlighted the importance of the event for the professional and intellectual development of the participants. The exchange of knowledge and experiences promoted during the forum inspires positive future actions and a deep reflection on the challenges and advances in the global legal field.
In summary, the Summer School: Democracy and Development not only strengthened international connections in academia, but also provided an essential platform for innovation and progress in law, leaving a lasting legacy for all involved.