2019 Int’l Francophone Day offers various activities

On March 15, at a ceremony celebrating the event at the Ly Thai To Statue Square by Hoan Kiem Lake, the Group of Francophone Embassies, Delegations, and Institutions (GADIF) will present awards to two individuals to honour their contributions to the language and values of the French-speaking community. 

An arts programme will be held as part of the ceremony with the participation of Vietnamese and foreign artists, along with students learning French.

In addition, about 60 pavilions will be opened the next day, providing useful information for visitors, as well as gastronomic and entertainment activities. 

Those activities will be jointly organised by the Hanoi People’s Committee, the International Organisation of Francophonie’s (OIF) Asia Pacific Regional Bureau, and the city’s chapter of GADIF.

Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, a ceremony will be held on March 17 at Thao Cam Vien (Zoological and Botanical Garden), along with the screening of movies in French language and concerts of famous French artist Chaton.

A seminar on the building of an international network of digital hubs for agriculture-biotechnology will also be arranged in the city.

Furthermore, various cultural activities and festivals will be held at high schools, universities, and French-language clubs across the country this month. 

The OIF’s mission is to engage its 88 member states and governments, which together represent more than a third of UN member states and account for a population of over 900 million people, including about 300 million French speakers.

The OIF organises multilateral cooperation political activities and actions that benefit French-speaking populations. 

Vietnam has been an OIF member since 1970 and is considered among its founders.