Francophonie celebration

Francophonie is an international organisation representing countries and regions where French is the first or customary language, or where a significant proportion of the population are francophone (French speakers) or where there is a notable affiliation with French culture.

French Ambassador, H?di Picquart, told guests: “There are 275 million French speakers in the world, of which 212 million speak French daily. French is the fifth most spoken language in the world, the fourth most used on the Internet, third most used globally in business and the second working language of the UN.” He said the International Francophonie Organisation comprises 80 states and governments of which 54 are full members, 26 member states and four associate members.

Canadian High Commissioner, Carla Hogan Rufelds said Thursday’s commemoration helps us to remember the important role played by la francophonie in the promotion of peace, democracy, respect for human rights and sustainable development, and the central place it gives to women, youth and the vulnerable in its work.

Amer G Haidar, Lebanese Honorary Consul in TT then raised a toast to commemorate the occasion.