The International Francophonie

• Background
• Official bodies
• Operators
• Other institutions
• States and Governments

International Francophonie organization chart

Background

In 1968, the meeting of the Heads of State of the Organisation commune africaine et malgache (OCAM) considered the creation of an Agency for cultural and technical cooperation. At a Conference held in Niamey, in February 1969, which brought together 28 Francophone countries, an agreement was reached to create the Agency. The Conference of National Education Ministers (CONFEMEN-Conférence des ministres de l'éducation nationale) (only available in French), established in 1960, was entrusted with the mandate to articulate the conditions for setting up such an agency. On March 20, 1970, 21 governments signed the document creating the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT-Agence de coopération culturelle et technique).

The 1980s saw the true institutional birth of La Francophonie with the holding of the first Conference of Heads of State and Government Using French as a Common Language in February 1986, in Paris. These Summits, the supreme body of La Francophonie, are now held every two years. Canada has hosted Summits on two occasions, in Quebec City in 1987 and in Moncton in 1999 (Declaration) - only available en French.

The 1995 Cotonou Summit marked a major shift for the institutional aspect of La Francophonie. It set up a number of new bodies, reinforcing its political dimension on the international scene. It was in Cotonou that the decision was taken to create the General Secretariat of La Francophonie and to appoint a Secretary-General. It is also in Cotonou that the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT-Agence de coopération culturelle et technique) became the Intergovernmental Agency of La Francophonie (AIF) -only available in French. The Charter of La Francophonie -only available in French-, adopted at the Marrakech Ministerial Conference in 1996, now provides the Francophone institutional system with the legal support it was lacking. The Hanoi Summit in 1997 (Declaration) -only available in French- completed the reforms by adopting the revised Charter, which now constitutes the legal basis of the International Organization of La Francophonie. At this Summit, a Secretary-General was elected to be the political spokesperson and official representative, internationally, of La Francophonie. Mr. Abdou Diouf is the actual Secretary-General; he was elected at the Beyrouth Summit (October 2002). The role of the Intergovermental Agency of La Francophonie, as the main intergovernmental "agency" for La Francophonie, was also reaffirmed.

The International Francophonie, which is essentially intended to be a multilateral entity, includes 56 States and Governments covering five continents.

Official bodies

International Francophonie organization chart

Conference of Heads of State and Government of Countries Using French as a Common language (Francophonie Summit)

Every two years since 1986, through the Francophonie Summits, the Conference brings together the Heads of State and Government members of the International Organization of La Francophonie. -only available in French- The aim of this gathering is to discuss the major international issues of the hour and to set the priorities and strategic objectives of La Francophonie. The presidency is assumed by the Summit's host Head of Government for two years, until the next Summit. Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou) will host the next Francophonie Summit, November 26 and 27, 2004. (in French only)

The Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF - Conférence ministérielle de la Francophonie)

The Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF) is an annual meeting of the ministers for foreign affairs and ministers responsible for Francophonie affairs. The Ministerial Conference is chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs or the Minister responsible for Francophonie Affairs of the country hosting the Summit, during the year preceding and following the Summit.

The Conference ensures that Summit decisions are implemented and plans the subsequent Summit. In addition, it makes recommendations to the Summit on the admission of new members and new associate members.

Secretary-General

Elected for four years by the member States and Governments of La Francophonie, the Secretary-General carries out his mandate under the authority of the three main bodies of the International Organization of La Francophonie - only available in French- : the Summit, the Ministerial Conference and the Standing Committee of La Francophonie (CPF-Conseil permanent de la Francophonie), which he chairs. He administers the Secretariat for the three bodies and reports to the Summit on his mandate. Mr. Abdou Diouf was elected to this position at the Beirut Summit, in October 2002. The first Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie was Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who held the position from 1997 to 2002.

The Secretary-General is internationally the political spokesperson and the official representative of La Francophonie. The Secretary-General, in conjunction with the General Administrator of the AIF and the other agencies representatives, is responsible for recommending priority areas for multilateral Francophone action and for harmonizing programs and action for all operators.

The Standing Committee of La Francophonie (CPF-Conseil permanent de la Francophonie)

The Standing Committee of La Francophonie (CPF) is responsible for Summit organization and follow-up, under the authority of the Ministerial Conference. The Committee consists of personal representatives duly accredited by the Heads of State and Government of Summit members. Along with ensuring that decisions made by the Ministerial Conference are implemented, the Standing Committee plays a role as facilitator, coordinator and arbitrator for policy and economic issues and cooperation. The CPF is also responsible for managing the joint multilateral fund (FMU-Fonds multilatéral unique), which holds funding allocated by member States and Governments for Francophonie projects.

Operators

International Francophonie organization chart

The Intergovernmental Agency of La Francophonie (AIF)
(Agence intergouvernementale de la Francophonie)

The Intergovernmental Agency for La Francophonie was created in Niamey (Niger) in 1970, and was known as the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT). It was made up of 21 States and Governments at the time. Currently, 56 States and Governments belong to the Intergovernmental Agency.

The Intergovernmental Agency of La Francophonie -only available in French- is responsible for the implementation of cultural cooperation, scientific, technical, economic and legal programs.

It is supported by National correspondents and regional offices located in Lomé for Western Africa, in Libreville for Central Africa and in Hanoï for Asia-Pacific. The Agency also has two subsidiaries, the Francophone Institute for New Information and Training Technologies (INTIF-Institut francophone des nouvelles technologies de l'information et de la formation) -only available in French-, in Bordeaux, and the Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEPF-Institut de l'énergie et de l'environnement de la Francophonie) -only available in French-, in Quebec City.

The Agency of Francophone Universities (Agence universitaire de la Francophonie)

The Agency of Francophone Universities -only available in French- works closely with the Summit in the fields of higher learning and research. It represents the majority of partially or wholly French-language universities, as well as the "grandes écoles" and other research bodies.

The office of the rector for the AUF is located in Montreal. It is linked to regional and satellite offices and access to information centres around the world. More than 35 countries are covered by this network, which enables the AUF keep abreast of developments in national educational and scientific systems on a daily basis.

TV5

TV5 is an international French-language television network. It is a multilateral initiative funded by the governments of Canada, Quebec, France, French-speaking Community of Belgium and Switzerland. It is the distribution tool for Francophone public television stations partners of the participating governments. One of its major goals is to reflect the Francophone cultural diversity. TV5 was launched in 1984 but Canada waited until 1988 to join the network. In 1991, the network was expanded to include Africa and in 1992 Latin America and the Caribbean, it penetrated Asia in 1996 and the United States and Orient in 1998. Through TV5, Francophone programs reach more than 135 million households, making this channel one of the three major television networks with CNN and MTV. One of its major goals is to reflect the Francophone cultural diversity.

The International Association of Mayors and Officials of Partially or Wholly Francophone Capitals and Major Cities (AIMF-Association internationale des Maires et responsables des capitales et métropoles partiellement ou entièrement francophone)

The AIMF -only available in French- is the operator of La Francophonie responsible for urban development issues. Its cooperation activities cover all areas of municipal life, for the benefit of members who now number 95, and are located in 45 different countries.

Other institutions

The Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF-Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophohie)

The APF -only available in French- is an invaluable link between the bodies of La Francophonie and Francophone people, as it comprises 47 sections in the Parliaments of Francophone states and communities, as well as 12 associate sections.

In addition to being an important tool for analysis and interparliamentary cooperation, this consultative parliamentary assembly participates in implementing and strengthening democratic institutions, and members act as election observers.

Standing Ministerial Conferences

(i) Since 1960, the Conference of National Education Ministers (CONFEMEN-Conférence des ministres de l'éducation nationale) -only available in French- , which meets every two years, is considered as a forum for analysis and dialogue for ministers of education from member States and Governments of the International Francophonie.

(ii) Established in 1969, the Conference of Youth and Sport Ministers from countries sharing the use of French (CONFÉJES-Conférence des ministres de la jeunesse et des sports des pays ayant le français en partage) is made up of 38 member States and Governments. Its objectives are to develop policies for promoting and protecting young people, to oversee the economic and social integration of young people, and to organize the Games of La Francophonie. The Minister responsible for Francophonie Affairs represents the Government of Canada at the CONFÉJES.

(iii) The Games of La Francophonie International Committee (CIJF-Comité international des Jeux de la Francophonie).

The Games of La Francophonie were created at the Summit held in Quebec City, in 1987. The CONFÉJES was, at the time, entrusted with ensuring the Games continuity. The CONFÉJES subsequently established the Games of La Francophonie International Committee (CIJF-Comité international des Jeux de la Francophonie) -only available in French- , which was given the mandate to organize the Games.

States and Governments member of the International Organization of La Francophonie

Member States and Governments

	Kingdom of Belgium Area: 30,513 km2 Capital: Brussels Population:10,165,000 National Holiday: July 21 Income Per Capita: $21,543 U.S.
	Communauté française de Belgique Area: 16,844 km2 Capital: Brussels Population: 4,500,000 National Holiday: September 27 Income Per Capita: $21,543 U.S.
	Republic of Benin Area: 112,622 km2 Capital: Porto-Novo Population: 5,900,000 National Holiday: August 1 Income Per Capita: $1,800 U.S.
	Republic of Bulgaria Area: 110,912 km2 Capital: Sofia Population: 8,300,000 National Holiday: March 3 Income Per Capita: $4,800 U.S.
	Burkina Faso Area: 274,200 km2 Capital: Ougadougou Population:10,900,000 National Holiday: August 4 Income Per Capita: $704 U.S.
	Republic of Burundi Area: 27,830 km2 Capital: Bujumbura Population: 6,000,000 National Holiday: July 1 Income Per Capita: $637 U.S.
	Kingdom of Cambodia Area: 181,035 km2 Capital: Phnom Penh Population: 11,160,000 National Holiday: November 9 Income Per Capita: $1110 U.S.
	Republic of Cameroon Area: 475,442 km2 Capital: Yaounde Population: 14,700,000 National Holiday: May 20 Income Per Capita: $2356 U.S.
	Canada Area: 9,976,139 km2 Capital: Ottawa Population: 30,300,000 National Holiday: July 1 Income Per Capita: $21,916 U.S.
	Canada - Province of New Brunswick Area: 73,437 km2 Capital: Fredericton Population: 760,000 National Holiday: August 15 Income Per Capita: $21,916 U.S.
	Canada - Province of Quebec Area: 1,540,680 km2 Capital: Quebec City Population: 7,500,000 National Holiday: June 24 Income Per Capita: $21,916 U.S.
	Republic of Cape Verde Area: 4033 km2 Capital: Praia Population: 395,000 National Holiday: July 5 Income Per Capita: $2612 U.S.
	Central African Republic Area: 622,984 km2 Capital: Bangui Population: 3,300,000 National Holiday: December 1 Income Per Capita: $1092 U.S.
	Federal and Islamic republic of Comoros Area: 2170 km2 Capital: Moroni Population: 500,000 National Holiday: July 6 Income Per Capita: $1317 U.S.
	Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) Area: 342,000 km2 Capital: Brazzaville Population: 2,600,000 National Holiday: August 15 Income Per Capita: $2554 U.S.
	Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa) Area: 2,345,409 km2 Capital: Kinshasa Population: 44,400,000 National Holiday: June 30 Income Per Capita: $355 U.S.
	Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Area: 322,462 km2 Capital: Yamoussoukro Population: 15,000,000 National Holiday: August 7 Income Per Capita: $1731 U.S.
	Republic of Djibouti Area: 23,200 km2 Capital: Djibouti Population: 481,000 National Holiday: June 27 Income Per Capita: $1300 U.S.
	Commonwealth of Dominica Area: 752 km2 Capital: Roseau Population: 60,000 National Holiday: November 3 Income Per Capita: $6424 U.S.
	Arab Republic of Egypt Area: 1,001,450 km2 Capital: Cairo Population: 64,800,000 National Holiday: July 23 Income Per Capita: $3829 U.S.
	French Republic Area: 547,026 km2 Capital: Paris Population: 58,609,000 National Holiday: July 14 Income Per Capita: $21,176 U.S.
	Gabonese Republic Area: 267,670 km2 Capital: Libreville Population: 1,200,000 National Holiday: August 17 Income Per Capita: $3765 U.S.
	Republic of Guinea Area: 245,857 km2 Capital: Conakry Population: 7,500,000 National Holiday: April 3 Income Per Capita: $1139 U.S.
	Republic of Guinea-Bissau Area: 36,125 km2 Capital: Bissau Population: 1,200,000 National Holiday: September 24 Income Per Capita: $811 U.S.
	Republic of Equatorial Guinea Area: 28,050 km2 Capital: Malabo Population: 400,000 National Holiday: October 12 Income Per Capita: $1712 U.S.
	Republic of Haiti Area: 27,750 km2 Capital: Port-au-Prince Population: 6,600,000 National Holiday: January 1 Income Per Capita: $917 U.S.
	Lao People's Democratic Republic Area: 236,800 km2 Capital: Vientiane Population: 5,100,000 National Holiday: December 2 Income Per Capita: $2571 U.S.
	Republic of Lebanon Area: 10,400 km2 Capital: Beirut Population: 3,400,000 National Holiday: November 22 Income Per Capita: $4977 U.S.
	Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Area: 2586 km2 Capital: Luxembourg Population: 420,000 National Holiday: june 23 Income Per Capita: $34,000 U.S.
	Republic of Madagascar Area: 587,041 km2 Capital: Antananarivo Population: 14,000,000 National Holiday: June 26 Income Per Capita: $673 U.S.
	Republic of Mali Area: 1,240,192 km2 Capital: Bamako Population: 9,800,000 National Holiday: September 22 Income Per Capita: $565 U.S.
	Kingdom of Morocco Area: 710,850 km2 (incl. W. Sahara:252,120 km2) Capital: Rabat Population: 30,400,000 National Holiday: March 3 Income Per Capita: $3477 U.S.
	Republic of Mauritius Area: 2045 km2 Capital: Port Louis Population: 1,150,000 National Holiday: March 12 Income Per Capita: $13,294 U.S.
	Islamic Republic of Mauritania Area: 1,030,700 km2 Capital: Nouakchott Population: 2,400,000 National Holiday: November 28 Income Per Capita: $1622 U.S.
	Republic of Moldova Area: 33,700 km2 Capital: Chisinau Population: 4,400,000 National Holiday: August 27 Income Per Capita: $1547 U.S.
	Principality of Monaco Area: 1,9 km2 Capital: Monaco Population: 30,000 National Holiday: Novembre 19 Income Per Capita: $25,000 U.S.
	Republic of Niger Area: 1,267,000 km2 Capital: Niamey Population: 9,300,000 National Holiday: December 18 Income Per Capita: $765 U.S.
	Republic of Romania Area: 237,500 km2 Capital: Bucharest Population: 22,500,000 National Holiday: December 1 Income Per Capita: $4431 U.S.
	Republic of Rwanda Area: 26,340 km2 Capital: Kigali Population: 7,700,000 National Holiday: July 1 Income Per Capita: $400 U.S.
	Democratic Republic of Sao Tomé & Principe * Area: 960 km2 Capital: Sao Tomé Population: 150,000 National Holiday: July 12 Income Per Capita: $1744 U.S.
	Saint Lucia Area: 616 km2 Capital: Castries Population: 150,000 National Holiday: February 22 Income Per Capita: $6530 U.S.
	Republic of Senegal Area: 196,722 km2 Capital: Dakar Population: 9,400,000 National Holiday: April 4 Income Per Capita: $1815 U.S.
	Republic of Seyshelles Area: 454 km2 Capital: Victoria Population: 80,000 National Holiday: June 18 Income Per Capita: $7797 U.S.
	Swiss Confederation Area: 41,288 km2 Capital: Bern Population: 7,250,000 National Holiday: August 1 Income Per Capita: $24,881 U.S.
	Republic of Chad Area: 1,284,000 km2 Capital: N'Djamena Population: 7,200,000 National Holiday: August 11 Income Per Capita: $1172 U.S.
	Republic of Togo Area: 56,785 km2 Capital: Lome Population: 4,700,000 National Holiday: April 27 Income Per Capita: $1167 U.S.
	Republic of Tunisia Area: 163,610 km2 Capital: Tuni Population: 9,200,000 National Holiday: March 20 Income Per Capita: $5261 U.S.
	Republic of Vanuatu Area: 12,189 km2 Capital: Port-Vila Population: 180,000 National Holiday: July 30 Income Per Capita: $2507 U.S.
	Socialist Republic of Vietnam Area: 333,000 km2 Capital: Hanoi Population: 75,120,000 National Holiday: September 2 Income Per Capita: $1236 U.S.

Observer States

	Czech Republic Area: 78,864 km2 Capital: Prague Population: 10,300,000 National Holiday: May 9 and October 28 Income Per Capita: $5,242 U.S.
	Republic of Lithuania Area: 65,300 km2 Capital: Vilnius Population: 3,700,000 National Holiday: February 16 Income Per Capita: $2,270 U.S.
	Republic of Poland Area: 312,677 km2 Capital: Warsaw Population: 38,600,000 National Holiday: May 3 Income Per Capita: $5447 U.S.
	Slovak Republic Area: 48,630 km2 Capital: Bratislava Population: 5,400,000 National Holiday: August 29 Income Per Capita: $3,666 U.S.
	Republic of Slovenia Area: 20,255 km2 Capital: Ljublijana Population: 1,987,000 National Holiday: June 25 Income Per Capita: $9,813 U.S.

Associate States

	Republic of Albania Area: 28,748 km2 Capital: Tirana Population: 3,300,000 National Holiday: November 28 Income Per Capita: $2853 U.S.
	Republic of Macedoinia Area: 25,713 km2 Capital : Skopje Population : 2,000,000 National Holiday: September 8 Income Per Capita: $4,058 U.S.