Date: October 4-5, 2024
Host: France
Participants: Over 100 Heads of State and Government, high-ranking officials
Locations: Paris and Villers-Cotterêts (where French was declared the official language in 1539)
Key Topics
Renewal of multilateralism
Digital issues and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cultural and linguistic diversity
Significance of Francophonie
As stated by Léopold Sédar Senghor, Francophonie is "integral Humanism."
Multilingualism and Cultural Diversity: These are seen as fostering beneficial exchanges and collective thinking.
India's priorities resonate with the spirit of Francophonie.
La Francophonie Organization
Founded: 1970
Purpose: Promote French language and cooperation between member states.
88 Member States and Governments (54 full-fledged, 7 associate, 27 observer)
Goals: Promote democracy, peace, prosperity, and reduce the "North/South divide."
Current Leadership: Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo (former Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs)
Summit Objectives
Renew Multilateralism: Change governance composition of international institutions.
Support India and G-4 Nations: For permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
Reform International Institutions: Make them more efficient and representative.
Address Global Challenges: Climate change, biodiversity, global health, inequality.
Focus on Digital Technology
AI and its Implications: Protection of creation, promotion of diversity, language rights.
AI as an Asset: Facilitates translation and supports French and other languages.
Paris AI Action Summit: To be held in February 2025.
FrancoTech Fair: First edition to be held alongside the summit.
Shared Interests between France and India
La Francophonie topics are relevant to both countries.
Upcoming events: Paris AI Action Summit (2025) and India-France Year of Innovation (2026).
Goal: Pursue new collective solutions in these areas.
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