Dubai: The International organization representing countries and regions where French is a lingua franca or customary language, where a significant proportion of the population are francophones, the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) recently celebrated its “Honor Day” at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The event which coincided with the Annual International Francophonie Day, showcased some of the collectives’ 88 member nations at Al Wasl Plaza.
The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi welcomed Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, OIF Secretary-General at the Ceremony.
The ‘Honor Day’ celebrations included performances by Artists from OIF member countries, such as Mr. Joseph Terterian, a soprano from Armenia, Dancer Ms. Jeny BSG from Belgium/Democratic Republic of Congo and DJ Willy William from France/Mauritius.
Through the OIF’s strong presence across nine-member pavilions, visitors can interact with major flagship projects and programming activities, while discovering the latest Francophone innovations in fields of sustainable development, innovation, gender equality and more.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi remarked on the occasion.
The UAE Minister further added that, “We are pleased to share solid ties with the OIF and its Member States, which are based on the values of inclusivity, multiculturalism, and international cooperation that seeks to realize a better future for all members. We are committed to promoting the principles that we share through strategic initiatives, action plans and activities that pay tribute to promote cultural pluralism in the UAE.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Mushikiwabo, who highlighted this year’s International Francophonie Day theme, ‘Youth of the Francophone Countries’, observed that, “The youth is our strength, a strength our organization must make more active. They aspire to have access to employment, benefit from quality education, and live in a healthy environment.”
The OIF Secretary-General elaborated that, “Our organization, the OIF, can and must support them in these areas, which are vital for their future and for that of La Francophonie, enabling young people to acquire the skills and competencies needed to undertake, innovate and enter the labor market, investing in their training while taking into account their geographical mobility.”
Ms. Mushikiwabo praised Expo 2020 Dubai for helping to “bring together entrepreneurs, investors and promoters of all French-speaking countries through economic and trade missions” through the Pavilion.
ORGANIZATION INTERNATIONALE DE LA FRANCOPHONIE
The International Organization comprises 88 member states and governments, of these, 54 States and Governments are full members, 7, including the UAE are Associate Members, and rest 27 are Observers.