Phnom Penh:Nearly 30 years after the 1997 Hanoi Summit, Cambodia is set to host the 20th Francophonie Summit, an event of profound symbolic and strategic significance for the nation. The summit underscores Cambodia's historical connection with the French language and culture.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron emphasized the importance of this historic event, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between Cambodia and the French-speaking world. He noted the role of King-Father, Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, as a co-founder of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) and expressed that the summit presents an opportunity for Cambodia to demonstrate its political stability and active participation on the international stage.
The Minister made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Francophone Science Cycle (CSFAP), a significant side event of the summit held on Nov. 10 at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. The CSFAP, hosted by Phnom Penh for the first time, gathered over 450 academics and researchers from 27 countries, representing 125 higher education institutions.
The forum aims to address the aspirations of Generation Z by developing practical responses through public-private partnerships and enhanced cooperation between academia and the private sector. Organized by Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), the CSFAP runs until Nov. 12 under the theme 'Science and Francophonie for Peace and Sustainable Stability.'
The forum's proceedings are expected to conclude with the adoption of the Phnom Penh Declaration, marking a significant milestone for Francophone higher education in the Asia-Pacific region.