(VOVWORLD) -Held annually on March 20, International Francophonie Day (Journée internationale de la Francophonie) celebrates French, a language used by more than 320 million people worldwide, and the shared values of Francophone countries such as tolerance and cultural diversity.
 International Francophonie Day is celebrated on March 20, at the Temple of Literature-Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi. Photo Thanh Long/VOV
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This year, the chosen theme is "I educate myself, therefore I act" ("Je m'éduque, donc j'agis").
Vietnam celebrated International Francophonie Day on Thursday evening at the Temple of Literature-Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi, where Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet called on Francophone countries to consider education as a priority area to promote cooperation, thereby opening up potential opportunities in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.
“On International Francophonie Day, let us pledge to promote and celebrate the French language by integrating it into our work, our daily lives and our collaborative projects. Together, we will contribute to a dynamic, prosperous and shining Francophone community,” the Deputy FM said.
Viet emphasized that the celebration of International Francophonie Day this year at the Temple of Literature is significant because this is the first university in Vietnam, a symbol of the Vietnamese people’s studious spirit and respect for education. The Deputy Minister said that Vietnam advocates promoting "lifelong learning" with specific policies and actions to develop a quality, equitable and sustainable education.
Edgar Doerig, Asia-Pacific Representative of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), applauded Vietnam's commitments to education, citing Vietnam's recent decision to exempt tuition fees for all students from primary to upper secondary school, starting from the next school year. Education is always one of the top priorities of OIF to build a future generation with full understanding and responsibility to respond to the challenges facing the world today, he said.
“In a world of change, education enables us to foster an inclusive society where citizens are enlightened to respond to the challenges of our time and the future. Access to quality education for all, at a time when technological advances are redefining our landmarks, will contribute to sustainable development and peace,” he said.
At the event, Doerig announced OIF’s three strategic action programs for 2024-2027, including the adoption of French language to boost the economy, with multiple specific projects, particularly on sustainable tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.