International Francophonie Day 2025: Learning for knowledge access and sustainable development

Delegates attending the celebration of International Francophonie Day 2025. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Attending the event were Party Central Committee member, Deputy Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Committee, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Section of the Francophone Parliamentary Union Nguyen Thuy Anh; Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet; Chief Representative of the Asia-Pacific region of the International Organization of the Francophone (OIF) Edgar Doerig; Head of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation, Chairman of the Group of Francophone Embassies, Delegations and Organizations in Hanoi (GADIF) Pierre Du Ville, and representatives of embassies of French-speaking countries and Francophone organizations in Vietnam.

Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet speaks at the event. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet emphasized that this is an opportunity for everyone to express their love for the French language, while affirming the Francophone Community's commitment to common values ​​such as peace, solidarity, cooperation, respect for cultural diversity and sustainable development.

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The Deputy Minister reviewed the memorable moments of the International Francophonie Day over the past three years. The first celebration took place at the Government Guest House, International Conference Center - where many activities were held within the framework of the 7th Francophonie Summit, marking an important step forward for Vietnam in multilateral diplomacy. The second time, the event was held at the Museum of Ethnology, a symbol of cultural diversity and national harmony. This year, the celebration took place solemnly at the Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam, where knowledge and personality are nurtured and the tradition of studiousness and respect for teachers is demonstrated.

According to the Deputy Minister, the theme of “Learning and Acting” for International Francophonie Day 2025 has a profound meaning: Learning to access a rich store of knowledge and explore the diversity of Francophone cultures; to expand cooperation between countries, localities, businesses and communities. At the same time, learning helps to take advantage of opportunities from science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, maximize potential and strive for development.

“On the occasion of International Francophonie Day, we pledge to continue to promote and popularize the French language, bringing this language into work, life, cooperation projects and into the hearts of each person. Together, we contribute to building an increasingly developed, prosperous and radiant Francophone Community,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Mr. Edgar Doerig, IOF's Asia-Pacific Regional Representative. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Mr. Edgar Doerig, Chief Representative of the Asia-Pacific region of OIF, commented that with the theme "Learning and acting", International Francophonie Day 2025 is an opportunity to honor the education sector and the continuous efforts in the career of "growing people".

“French is a global language, the only language spoken on all continents, alongside English. It is also a modern and living language – the language of work and innovation, culture and opportunity,” Mr. Doerig affirmed.

He also appreciated Vietnam's strong commitment to education, demonstrated by the policy of exempting all tuition fees for students in public schools from kindergarten to high school nationwide, starting from the 2025-2026 school year.

Mr. Pierre du Ville, Head of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation, Chairman of the GADIF Group, presented a commemorative medal to Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Hong Van, former Head of the French Department, University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, President of the Hanoi French Teachers' Association. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Also within the framework of the celebration, Mr. Pierre du Ville, Head of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation, Chairman of the GADIF Group, presented a commemorative medal to Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Hong Van, former Head of the French Department, University of Foreign Languages, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Chairman of the Hanoi French Teachers' Association, for his tireless contributions to the development and improvement of the quality of French education in Vietnam.

Speaking with reporters from The World and Vietnam Newspaper , Associate Professor Dr. Duong Van Quang, former Director of the Diplomatic Academy, outlined the history and contributions of OIF since its establishment on March 20, 1973.

He emphasized that March 20 has a special meaning for the global Francophone community. On this day in 1973, the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT) was established in Niamey (Niger), laying the foundation for the birth of today's OIF. In 1997, at the Francophone Summit in Hanoi, the Francophone Charter was adopted, marking the transformation of ACCT into OIF - an international organization with a wider scope of activities. Since then, March 20 has been chosen as International Francophone Day every year, an occasion for member countries to look back on their achievements and set direction for the future.

The musical “Le français, porte d'ouverture au world” performed by students of Hanoi University. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Van Quang stated that, as one of the founding members, Vietnam has always actively accompanied OIF. Every year, Vietnam closely coordinates with the OIF Asia-Pacific Regional Office to organize commemorative activities, not only to honor the common values ​​of the Francophone Community but also to affirm its sustainable commitment to the organization's mission.

With more than 80 members across continents, OIF is not only an important multilateral organization but also plays a bridging role in promoting cooperation in many fields, from education, culture to economic development and diplomacy.

Mr. Truong The Vinh said that French is a bridge that helps young people explore and learn about many rich French-speaking cultures. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

In particular, according to Associate Professor Dr. Duong Van Quang, in the context of increasingly deep globalization, knowing only one language is not enough to adapt to the constantly changing world. In particular, French - one of the official languages ​​of many international organizations, present on all continents - has been opening up valuable cooperation opportunities for everyone. Therefore, cultivating another language, such as French, is extremely necessary to broaden one's thinking and grasp diverse career opportunities in today's challenging world.

Sharing the perspective of young people, Mr. Truong The Vinh, Marketing Manager of the French Education Organization Je Parle Français, former Head of the French Club of the Diplomatic Academy, said that learning French is not only a communication tool but also a door that opens up opportunities to explore diverse French-speaking cultures.

This is also a stepping stone to help the young generation get closer to the goal of becoming global citizens, with the necessary knowledge and thinking in the context of increasingly deep international integration.

Performance "The Essence of Taoism" within the framework of the celebration. (Photo: Jackie Chan)