AKP Phnom Penh, October 25, 2026 --

With only about 20 days remaining before Cambodia hosts the 20th Francophonie Summit and the 48th Session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF) in Phnom Penh, the Kingdom is preparing to welcome world leaders for discussions on global challenges and the search for common solutions.

The 20th Francophonie Summit, to be held on Nov. 15-16, 2026, marks a historic milestone for Cambodia as the first time the Kingdom has hosted this major international gathering. Under the theme “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability,” the summit will bring together leaders of French-speaking countries to discuss international cooperation, multilateralism and sustainable development.

Several major events will accompany the summit, providing opportunities to strengthen cultural ties, promote innovation and expand economic cooperation among Francophone countries and their partners.

The Francophonie Village, scheduled for Nov. 13-17 in the public park in front of Botum Watey Pagoda, will be held under the theme “The Khmer Smile will be the Smile of Francophonie.” The five-day event will showcase Cambodia’s arts, culture and cooperation with Francophone countries through national pavilions, exhibitions, food stalls and daily cultural performances. Dialogues and workshops will also address key issues, including tourism, education, youth, gender equality, peace and cultural heritage preservation.

Another major event, FrancoTech will take place from Nov. 14-16 under the theme “One Francophone Community, One Digital Future.” It aims to bring together stakeholders from across the Francophone community to encourage economic exchanges, promote technological advancement and showcase entrepreneurial excellence.

The sixth Francophone Entrepreneurs Forum (REF), also scheduled for Nov. 14-16, will seek to strengthen economic relations, encourage investment and expand trade cooperation between business communities in Francophone countries and ASEAN member states.

Together, these gatherings will provide Cambodia with an important opportunity to deepen its international partnerships, particularly with French-speaking countries, while showcasing the Kingdom’s development and cultural heritage to a global audience.

Cambodia’s participation in the Francophonie community is rooted in its history. France established a protectorate over Cambodia on Aug. 11, 1863, during the reign of King Norodom. Cambodia regained full independence on Nov. 9, 1953, under the leadership of the late King Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk.

During the protectorate period, French was widely used in Cambodian society, including in communication, education, law and cooperation. Today, approximately 1,400 French-derived words remain in everyday Khmer vocabulary, including terms for radio, telephone, antenna, and other commonly used items.

The Franco-Siamese convention and treaty of 1904 and 1907 also represent an important chapter in Cambodia’s history, establishing new boundaries and providing territorial exchanges between French Protectorate authorities – acting on behalf of Cambodia – and the Kingdom of Siam. The Royal Government of Cambodia continues to refer to these convention and treaty as a fundamental basis for addressing current border issues with Thailand.

Although English has become increasingly prominent in line with global trends, French retains a significant presence in Cambodia, particularly in healthcare, law and the military. An estimated 463,000 people in Cambodia speak French, representing approximately three percent of the population.

French-language education continues through institutions including the Department of French Studies of the Royal University of Phnom Penh and the French Institute, as well as other higher education institutions and bilingual programmes at secondary schools. These institutions help train young Cambodians interested in learning and using the language.

Worldwide, approximately 396 million people use French, making it the fourth most widely used language after English, Mandarin and Spanish, according to the International Organisation of La Francophonie’s 2026 report.

The Francophonie’s four principal missions are to promote the French language, cultures and linguistic diversity; advance peace, democracy and human rights; support education, training, higher education and research; and develop cooperation in support of sustainable development.

Hosting the 20th Francophonie Summit therefore represents more than a diplomatic responsibility. It demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to international cooperation and multilateralism, while reflecting the legacy of the late King Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, who was among the founding figures of the Francophonie organisation.

His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is scheduled to preside over the official opening of the summit on Nov. 15, with the participation of heads of state and government and other leaders from Francophone countries. French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron is also expected to attend.

The gathering will attract particular attention as France, a signatory to the Franco-Siamese convention and treaty, joins other international leaders in Cambodia while tensions over the Cambodia-Thailand border remain unresolved. Cambodia maintains that Thai forces continue to occupy parts of its territory unlawfully.

Another significant event during the summit period will be the royal inauguration of the West Mebon Temple, presided over by His Majesty the King and President Macron.

Located on an island in the centre of the West Baray in Siem Reap province, West Mebon Temple was built during the reign of King Udayadityavarman II between 1049 and 1066. Dedicated to Hinduism, it was associated with a large bronze statue of the reclining Vishnu.

The temple underwent major restoration under a Cambodian-French project that began in 2012 and is scheduled to be completed in October 2026. Its inauguration will highlight the enduring cultural ties between Cambodia and France and the importance of preserving Cambodia’s historical heritage.

The 20th Francophonie Summit and 48th Session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie will open new opportunities for the Kingdom to strengthen its international engagement, deepen cooperation with French-speaking countries and reaffirm its commitment to peace, sustainable development and multilateralism.

As host and chair of the summit, Cambodia is preparing to ensure the success of the gathering and warmly welcomes members of the Francophone community to experience the Kingdom’s hospitality, witness its development and discover its continued commitment to peace and international cooperation.

By AKP