Zubair Qureshi
Around the world, approximately 300 million speak French language in five continents thus making it an effective tool of communication and conflict-resolution.
They speak French daily and the 150 million who learn it come from very different cultures, origins and traditions: whether they are Cambodian, Swiss, Egyptian, Rwandan – as the SG of the OIF / Canadian or Acadian, Malian or Belgian / Vanuatanian or Haitian —and also some French! What brings them together is much more than a means of communication; it is a way of understanding and loving the world, a vision of the human being, a cultural background that is both multiple and common, a collective humanism, an attachment to difference.
These views were expressed by Ambassador of France Nicolas Galey at a reception held at his residence to celebrate the International Day of Francophonie (Fête de la Francophonie).
Among those who attended the reception included EU Ambassador Androulla Kaminara, High Commissioner of Canada Wendy Gilmour, Greek ambassador Konstantinos Moatsos, Ambassador of Romania Nicolae Goia, Moroccan Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune, Ambassador of Tunisia Borhene El Kamel, High Commissioner of Mauritius Rashidally Soobadar, Pakistan-based French national and women/children rights activist Valerie Khan, Director of Alliance Francaise Ali Bhatti, Embassy’s staff and many others.
Ambassador Nicolas Galey said the Fête de la Francophonie that the event was mainly around a language —French —rather French languages because each country, each culture that speaks French does so in its own way.
French he said, is the language of all those who speak and love the French language, and it is no coincidence that two of the most prestigious literary prizes awarded in 2021 went—one to a Senegalese author, Mohamed Sarr, Prix Goncourt, the other to a Belgian, Amélie Nothomb, who won the Prix Renaudot.
Among the 40 “immortals” of the French Academy, there are Peruvian-born writers – Mario Vargas Llosa, Andreï Makine (Russian), Amine Maalouf (Lebanese), Maruzio Serra (Italian), and a Briton, the poet Michael Edwards, the ambassador further said. Beyond literature, the Francophonie is also a living and active international organization, said the ambassador. This (organization) has observer status at the UN and in other organizations as well.
The OIF is involved in the resolution of conflicts or political crises by consolidating peace, democracy and human rights. It contributes to the development of education and culture and promotes solidarity in the face of climate challenges and environmental threats.
These are all crucial issues of our time and I do not forget the Games of La Francophonie, which bring together hundreds of athletes every four years; next August, they will meet in Kinshasa, said the ambassador in his speech. You are therefore warmly invited to come in large numbers next Saturday to the Alliance Française! Thank you and very good evening to all, thus he concluded his speech.
