The Francophonie Summit, a pivotal event in the French-speaking world, is set to open its doors on October 4, 2024, in France. This year’s summit is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time in 33 years that France has hosted the event. The theme for the XIXth edition of the summit is “Creating, Innovating, and Entrepreneurship in French,” reflecting a forward-looking vision for the Francophone community.
Cameroon, a key member of the Francophonie, is represented by Lejeune Mbella Mbella, the Minister of External Relations, as President Paul Biya remains in Switzerland following his departure from China in August. The decision for Mbella Mbella to represent the Cameroonian head of state underscores the importance of the summit for Cameroon and its commitment to the Francophonie’s objectives.
The Francophonie represents not just a community of French-speaking nations but also a collective embodiment of shared values and aspirations. France’s dedication to promoting the French language and multilingualism is evident in its strategic and innovative approach initiated six years ago. The summit aims to showcase the opportunities within the Francophone space, especially for the youth, and to foster a spirit of creativity and enterprise.
As the summit unfolds, it will be interesting to observe the discussions and outcomes that will shape the future of the French language and the Francophone world at large. The representation by Lejeune Mbella Mbella is a testament to Cameroon’s active role and investment in the Francophonie, highlighting the country’s dedication to cultural and linguistic diversity.
Biya to absent La Francophonie summit as he continues his stay in Switzerland.
