Trudeau Heads to France for Francophonie Summit Amid Wider Conflict in the Middle East
Summary
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is headed to France on Thursday to attend the Francophonie summit, where the shadow of a wider conflict in the Middle East will likely loom large over the meeting of French-speaking countries.
France Takes Over Presidency of the Francophonie
The summit, which happens every two years, will be held Thursday and Friday in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris. France is taking over the presidency of the Francophonie from Tunisia and says the summit’s theme will be to “create, innovate and do business in French.”
Leaders to Discuss Geopolitical Challenges
Leaders are expected to discuss ways to promote the French language, address geopolitical challenges, ensure the digital space reflects their linguistic and cultural diversity and increase economic ties between countries. A senior government official speaking on background said Canada will be focused on strengthening ties with French-speaking African countries. The federal government plans to announce funding for scientific research as well as French content and platforms.
Ongoing Crises in Lebanon and Haiti
Ongoing crises in two of the Francophonie’s member countries — Lebanon and Haiti — are also expected to weigh on leaders at the summit. Canada is trying to arrange a conversation with representatives for Lebanon at the summit.
Trudeau Calls for Global Effort to Support Haiti’s Humanitarian Needs
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday the international community must do everything it can to help avoid a bigger regional war but recent developments have many fearing that is already happening. He also called for a global effort to support Haiti’s humanitarian needs, following a new report that said nearly half the country’s population of more than 11 million people is experiencing crisis levels of hunger or worse.
Canada will also have representation at the summit from Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Francophonie leaders are expected to make a decision on applications to join the international Francophonie body, including Nova Scotia’s application for observer status. This is the fourth time Trudeau has attended the summit since he was first elected in 2015.
The Francophonie summit is an important gathering for French-speaking countries to address global challenges and promote their shared language and culture. Amid ongoing crises in the Middle East and Haiti, it is crucial for world leaders to come together and find solutions to these complex issues.
Q: What is the Francophonie summit?
A: The Francophonie summit is a biennial gathering of French-speaking countries to address global challenges and promote their shared language and culture.
Q: What is the theme of this year’s summit?
A: The theme of this year’s summit is “create, innovate and do business in French.”
Q: What are the main issues expected to be discussed at the summit?
A: The main issues expected to be discussed at the summit include promoting the French language, addressing geopolitical challenges, ensuring the digital space reflects their linguistic and cultural diversity, and increasing economic ties between countries.
Q: How many countries are expected to attend the summit?
A: Over 50 French-speaking countries are expected to attend the summit.
Q: What is Canada’s role at the summit?
A: Canada will be represented at the summit by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as representatives from Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.