The 247 million French speakers have their celebration! This Sunday marks the International Day of Francophonie, highlighting the fundamental role the French language plays in the influence of our civilization and the promotion of our culture. Beyond that, due to its richness, the Francophonie contributes to the preservation of identities entrusted to it: it is a tool for defending cultural pluralism in our world threatened by globalization.
On this occasion, I would like to emphasize the fundamental role the French language plays in the spread of our civilization and the promotion of our culture. Beyond that, owing to its richness, the Francophonie contributes to the preservation of identities entrusted to it: it is a tool for defending cultural pluralism in our world threatened by globalization.
The celebration’s program includes performances and activities, with representatives of the 75 heads of state and government of the OIF present in Paris for the 80th session of the Permanent Council of the Francophonie.
Michaëlle Jean, Secretary-General of the OIF, delivered a message revisiting the values of Francophonie: “Liberty; equality; solidarity; fraternity; diversity; universality.”
Let us claim these words with pride, sing them in every tone, and chant them tirelessly.
So, on this International Day of the Francophonie, let us celebrate everywhere with joy and renewed conviction, the power of our common language, the French language, and the power of words.
In Nice, only the independent right-wing municipal and metropolitan councilor Gaël Nofri spoke on this occasion: “In this year 2016, let us have a special thought for the great Francophone and Francophile Boutros Boutros Ghali. In his famous Cotonou speech in 1995, Boutros Boutros Ghali reminded us that, in the ocean of uniformity threatening our planet today, ‘The Francophonie will be subversive and imaginative or will not be.’ Let us strive to remember this.”
Sometimes it’s refreshing to read words that go beyond the narrow interests of small-time politics that characterize local politics.
Learn more: https://www.20mars.francophonie.org
