In September 2025, the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina, adopted a new constitution that marked a historic milestone: the inclusion of professional associations and councils in this official document for the first time. This recognition is not only a legal achievement, but also a political and social statement that lends institutional legitimacy to those who support a significant part of Santa Fe’s social fabric through knowledge, ethics, and public responsibility.
Since the end of 2024, professional associations across the province have shared a common goal: securing constitutional recognition of our public role. The process was marked by coordinated efforts and ongoing dialogue among institutions. For several months, representatives from associations, councils, and social security funds met with the members of the constitutional convention in an atmosphere of respect and collaboration and presented a draught proposal for the section that was eventually enshrined, albeit with some modifications, in the new constitution. The proposal reflected the search for consensus and democratic spirit that characterises these organisations.
Professional associations are public non-governmental entities created by law that perform essential functions: they grant professional licenses, ensure ethical and disciplinary oversight, promote continuing education, and safeguard both professionals and the community who rely on their services. They are also leading authorities in their areas of expertise and serve the government in an advisory role, therefore having a direct impact on key areas, including justice, healthcare, education, security, urban planning, and productive development.
Institutionally, these entities stand as an expression of democratic participation: they act autonomously and do not receive any funds or contributions from the provincial government. Supported solely by their members, they hold regular elections to choose their leadership and exercise a delegated public function to protect the public interest and uphold professional quality.
This constitutional recognition brings Santa Fe in line with other Argentine provinces – like Buenos Aires, Tucumán, and Entre Ríos – that also highlight the central role of professional associations in their foundational texts. This acknowledgment provides institutional stability, protects the associations’ autonomy against potential legislative changes, and strengthens their role as guardians of responsible and ethical professional practice.
On 12 September 2025, representatives from the Colegio de Traductores de la Provincia de Santa Fe Primera Circunscripción (CTPSFPC), alongside other professional organisations, attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new constitution. It was a profoundly meaningful day that symbolised the fulfilment of a longstanding collective effort and the validation of a shared belief.
Granting constitutional recognition to professional associations means upholding the value of knowledge, ethics, and commitment to the common good. It is a statement of confidence in the future of a province that trusts its professionals to be pillars of a fair, inclusive, and democratic society.
Yanina Burkett Beliz (CTPSFPC)