Brussels, 20 March 2022: On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of The Francophonie on 20 March 2022, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), H.E. Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, reaffirms the commitment of the 79 Member States of the OACPS to the great Francophone family, stressing that, “The ties that unite us are destined to become even closer, because it is together that we will make a difference”.

In a global context marked by the pandemic and the major political crises that are impacting the world, the cooperation agreement linking the two institutions takes on its full meaning, and the willingness shown by their leaders to expand dialogue and security is welcome. The Francophonie and the OACPS share fundamental values that underpin their actions, in particular the primacy of peace and security, as well as respect for democratic principles, human rights, sovereignty and multiculturalism.

This year’s theme, “The Francophonie of the Future”, underlines the Francophone movement’s commitment to youth and their aspirations, particularly in the areas of entrepreneurship, digital technology and sustainable development; sectors which the OACPS supports and promotes, in line with the strategies enshrined in the revised Georgetown Agreement and the New OACPS-EU Partnership Agreement.

The Secretary-General of the OACPS takes this opportunity to commend the efforts of Her Excellency Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), for the development of the Francophonie around these values which are reflected in the OACPS.

To mark the excellent relations between the two institutions, the OACPS Secretariat and the OIF Representation in Brussels are organising a special evening of celebration on 22 March 2022 around the screening of the documentary film, “Le dernier refuge” (The last shelter), directed by the Malian, Ousmane Samassékou. This work, which has received several international awards, deals with the migration issue in West Africa. The film is produced with the support of the Image Fund of The Francophonie, the European Union (EU) and the OACPS in the framework of the ACP-EU Culture Programme.

Photo: idfa.nl