The Francophonie Summit held from October 4 to 5, 2024 in France marked an important step in the promotion of the French language and cooperation between French-speaking countries. Under the theme “Create, innovate and undertake in French”, this event highlighted the major challenges facing not only the OIF member countries, but also the entire French-speaking community.
One of the highlights of this summit was the issue of employment for young French-speakers. Indeed, it is essential to create opportunities for professional integration in French for young people, in order to promote their development and fulfillment. Concrete solutions must be considered both at the level of the OIF and in the Member States to meet this crucial challenge.
Furthermore, the expansion of the OIF with the accession of new observer countries such as Angola, Chile, Nova Scotia, French Polynesia and Saarland, as well as the accession to full member status of Ghana and Cyprus, marks a new stage in the diversification and strengthening of this international organization.
Another aspect discussed at this summit was the role of the OIF in crisis management within the French-speaking world. While some question the effectiveness of the OIF’s action in this area, it is undeniable that the French language can play a key role in conflict resolution and the development of member countries.
With 93 member states and more than 300 million speakers, the OIF represents a significant force in the international landscape. The citizen exchanges and debates that animated this summit helped to highlight the current and future challenges of the Francophonie.
Furthermore, the election of the DRC to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2025-2027 term demonstrates the country’s international recognition and its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. This new responsibility entrusted to the DRC underlines the importance of human rights in the international context and recalls the commitment of French-speaking countries to these fundamental values.
In conclusion, the 2024 Francophonie Summit was an opportunity to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing OIF member countries, while emphasizing the crucial role of the French language in international cooperation and the development of peoples.