Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh: Fatima Zahra El Mansouri Represents King Mohammed VI
The Head of Government, Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, Represents King Mohammed VI at the 20th Francophonie Summit
Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, the Head of Government, is representing His Majesty King Mohammed VI at the 20th Francophonie Summit, which opened on Sunday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This event gathers leaders from the 90 member states and governments of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to discuss issues of peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
Upon her arrival at the Chroy Changvar International Convention and Exhibition Center, El Mansouri was welcomed by King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, the Secretary General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, accompanied by his wife, Lok Chumteav Bindit Pich Chanmony.
An Opening Ceremony Focused on Multilateral Dialogue
The opening ceremony, presided over by the Cambodian monarch, featured several speeches, including those from the Cambodian Prime Minister, French President Emmanuel Macron, and the Secretary General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo.
The ceremony also included the transfer of the summit presidency to Cambodia, followed by an address from King Norodom Sihamoni.
Under the theme "Reinvesting in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability," this 20th edition aims to place issues of peace and stability at the heart of the Francophone agenda. It particularly emphasizes dialogue, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation as key leverage points to address international challenges.
The Future of the OIF at the Center of Discussions
Beyond political and diplomatic issues, this gathering provides an opportunity for members of the organization to conduct an initial assessment of the OIF’s actions, a year ahead of its programming deadline for 2024-2027.
The discussions will allow participants to evaluate the results achieved and examine the strategic orientations for the next programming phase, in a global context marked by multiple challenges.
Participants are also expected to adopt the Phnom Penh Declaration along with several resolutions focusing on the organization’s priorities.
Election of the Next Secretary General and Upcoming Summit in 2028
The election of the next Secretary General of La Francophonie is also on the agenda. This mandate will cover the period from 2027 to 2030, lasting four years.
Additionally, OIF members will need to designate the country that will host the 21st Francophonie Summit, slated for 2028.
Held every two years, the summit serves as the highest decision-making body of the organization. It sets the major political directions of La Francophonie, adopts declarations and resolutions binding its members, and adjudicates requests for membership in the OIF.
