Latest news with #Francophonie
See - Sada Elbalad
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egyptian Amb. to Armenia Highlights Cultural Ties Through Francophonie Celebrations
Nada Mustafa As part of Francophonie celebrations in Armenia, Serenade Gamil, Ambassador of Egypt to Armenia, organized a series of cultural events aimed at strengthening bilateral ties through arts and literature. A key highlight was a lecture titled 'Aznavour: An Egyptian Passion' delivered by renowned Egyptian writer and historian Dr. Ahmed Youssef at the Charles Aznavour Foundation in Yerevan. The event explored the deep cultural connections between Egypt and the legendary French-Armenian singer, Charles Aznavour. In another academic initiative, Gamil partnered with Haybusak University in Yerevan to host a special presentation of Dr. Youssef's latest book 'Bonaparte.' During his lecture, Dr. Youssef shed light on the historical presence of the Armenian community in Egypt, notably praising Nubar Pasha, the first Prime Minister of Egypt in the 19th century, for his significant contributions. For her part, Gamil emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural cooperation between Egypt and Armenia, noting that such exchanges enrich mutual understanding and celebrate shared heritage. It is worth mentioning that, Charles Aznavour Foundation, established by Charles Aznavour and his son Nicolas Aznavour, aims to carry forward the humanitarian legacy of the legendary artist. The foundation develops and supports a wide range of educational, cultural, social, and national initiatives both in Armenia and internationally. Egyptian Ambassador to Armenia read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
French-speaking parliamentarians meeting in Jersey
Twenty-nine delegates from 13 French-speaking areas are attending a conference in Jersey. The Conférence des Présidents of the European Region will focus on strengthening the role of young adults in economic and sustainable conference began on Sunday and will end on Tuesday, with a cultural visit scheduled to take place on Tuesday Montfort Tadier, president of the Jersey branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF), said: "We are delighted to welcome our Francophonie friends to Jersey to further foster those connections." The APF is an international organisation that brings together parliamentarians from countries where French is either spoken or plays a significant role. Jersey has been a member of the APF since 1971.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Celebrates International Francophone and French Language Day
The ECOWAS Commission celebrated International Francophone and French Language Day on Thursday 8th May, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria. The aim of the ceremony was to highlight the role of the French language as a tool for work, communication and integration within the West African community. The event brought together a number of Commission executives, as well as members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, notably those from the embassies of the Republics of Guinea and Benin. In her opening address, Mrs Ekerebong Michael Akuboh, Acting Coordinator of Language Services and representative of the Director of Conferences and Protocol, underlined the importance of French within the Organisation, stressing its central role in the day-to-day running of ECOWAS. On behalf of the Commissioner for Internal Services, Mr Seydou Kassory Bangoura, Director of Administration and General Services, recalled that this day not only celebrates the French language, but also the values, history and solidarity that it conveys. He emphasised the need to preserve this language in a constantly globalising world, in order to build an inclusive future where every voice can be heard and valued. Mr Bernard Koffi, Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources, representing the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, reaffirmed that French is a real lever for work and cooperation within ECOWAS. He also spoke of the organisation's Vision 2050, which aims to promote peace, security and social cohesion in the region. Speaking on behalf of the Benin ambassador, Mr Akossoun Sourou Alfred praised the richness of the French language and its fundamental role in building a new Africa, geared towards unity and progress. Throughout the ceremony, tributes were paid to a number of key figures in French-language literature from the 1960s and 1970s, including Mariama Ba, Fatou Diome, Léopold Sédar Senghor, Cheikh Hamidou Kane, Camara Laye, William Sassine, Ber-nard Dadié and Paul Hazoumé, among others. The day also celebrated the artistic and culinary dimensions of Francophone. Guinea and Benin presented emblematic traditional dishes, while folk songs and dances performed by the Beninese and Togolese communities in Abuja brought the event to a close in a warm and festive atmosphere. The International Day of La Francophone celebrated every 20th March, pays tribute to the French language and the cultural diversity it embodies. It promotes cooperation between the 88member states and governments of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), in accordance with the Charter of La Francophonie, adopted at the Hanoi Summit in 1997 and revised in Antananarivo in 2005. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: A year of French flair: Le French Festival unveils extended celebration
KUALA LUMPUR: Get ready for a year-long rendezvous with la belle France! Le French Festival 2025 is shaking things up with a brand new format, stretching its magnifique celebration of French culture from March all the way to November. Think of it as a delicious, slow-cooked feast of films, art, music, and more, popping up across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and even Kuching. Forget a fleeting few weeks – this year, each artistic gem gets its moment to truly shine. The festival boasts six dazzling highlights, each with its own distinct flavour. We've already raised a glass to the French language in March with Francophonie, but the main course is yet to come. Mark your calendars, cinephiles! May will see the return of the much-loved French Film Festival, bringing a delectable selection of 13 films to Golden Screen Cinemas. Prepare to be swept away by tales of culinary dreams in Sugar and Stars, the joyful noise of The Marching Band, and the heartwarming journey of Flow. From the historical epic The Count of Monte Cristo to the quirky animation of Chicken for Linda!, there's a story for every palate. You can snag your tickets starting May 8 via the GSC app, website, or e-kiosks. But the fun doesn't stop there. June will be filled with melodies during Music Month, culminating in a free and family-friendly Fête de la Musique bash at Titiwangsa Park on June 28. September is for the little ones with Le Petit Festival, promising creative adventures galore. October will tantalise your taste buds with Gastronomy Month, featuring workshops with Paul Bakery and food-themed film screenings. And finally, November will plunge us into the fascinating world of digital arts with Digital November. Adding a thoughtful touch, Le French Festival 2025 shines a spotlight on the vital theme of ocean and environmental preservation, perfectly aligning with the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.
Arab Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Francophonie month ends on high note in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, May 1: The 'Francophonie Month 2025' closing ceremony was held recently under the patronage and in the presence of Honorary President of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie in Kuwait (CPFK) His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad. In his speech on the auspicious occasion, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad underscored the importance of the event, expressing his pride in participating in it in appreciation of the cultural role played by Francophonie. He highlighted its notable contribution to contemporary global culture and its vital role in promoting dialogue and cultural diversity in a world rapidly moving toward globalization. He affirmed 'the French language occupies a prominent position in the world of thought and culture; characterized by its clarity, delicateness and logical precision. These characteristics have made it a popular language in the fields of Philosophy, Law and Diplomacy. Since the 17th century, it has been supported by the efforts of the Académie Française to standardize the language.' He pointed out that French is a refined and melodious language deeply intertwined with the artistic expressions of poetry, song and storytelling. It helped express complex philosophical ideas in an understandable language, facilitating their dissemination during the Age of Enlightenment. He stressed that Francophonie played a distinctive role in enriching Arab culture, especially since French was the official language of European culture from the 17th century until the end of the 19th century. He said that intellectual, political and diplomatic elites used it as a means of dialogue and openness; adding that it was used by kings, ambassadors and non-native thinkers, most notably the Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu and Pascal. He continued saying that the French language played a major role in spreading the concepts of rationalism, politics and human rights; and clearly contributed to the emergence of modern concepts like the social contract, individual freedom and separation of powers. He stated that these concepts were first formulated in French before being translated into the rest of Europe's languages. He added the French language has produced a rich world literature, ranging from novels like those of Balzac and Flaubert, to theater such as those of Molière and Corneille, and poetry such as those of Baudelaire and Rimbaud. He asserted that French literature has won the largest number of Nobel Prizes and has a prominent presence in the arts, fashion and cinema; ranging from Impressionism and painting to pioneering French cinema. He emphasized that Francophonie is not merely a means of communication, but rather a carrier of cultural heritage and concepts that have shaped modern western consciousness. He described French as 'the language of reason and beauty' for its phonetic elegance and philosophical and poetic vocabulary. 'The language is still used in international forums and centers of intellectual and legal legislation, most notably the United Nations and the International Organization of La Francophonie. Kuwait is keen on providing all the necessary facilities to support Francophonie, as it has always been an incubator for culture and arts in the region. Its doors will remain open for the exchange of knowledge and cultural cooperation with various French-speaking countries,' he stressed. He pointed out that the French language, with its long history, is present on all continents -- from Asia to Africa, from Canada in the North to Haiti in the South, and even New Caledonia and Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean. He wished it further spread and prosperity until it reaches the North and South Poles. His Highness concluded his speech by conveying feelings of friendship and celebration to all French-speaking peoples, extending his thanks to the ambassadors of the member states of the Francophonie Organization for their participation in this celebration and praising the successful organization of the evening. On the other hand, French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin, said 'thanks to the collective efforts of the members of the Council for the Promotion of La Francophonie -- 44 ambassadors -- and our partners. We held an exceptional celebration that coincided with the announcement of Kuwait as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media.' He asserted that La Francophonie promotes the values of participation and cultural diversity. He said the French language -- which is spoken by more than 320 million people in 130 countries, including 500,000 in Kuwait -- is considered a tool for building bridges between cultures and promoting dialogue and exchange. He stated that around 50,000 students in Kuwaiti public schools learn French annually, reflecting the growing local interest in the language. He then quoted French writer and Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, stating, 'Francophonie is a space for dialogue and exchange, a place where cultures meet.' Addressing His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad, he said; You are the father of Francophonie in Kuwait. You took the initiative to support it in the 1980s. On this occasion, the Council for the Promotion of Francophone Languages in Kuwait unanimously chose you as its honorary president. So, Your Highness, allow me to reiterate by deep gratitude to you.'
