Cultural influence and the French-speaking world

In 2005, France persuaded UNESCO to adopt a convention on cultural and linguistic diversity: the country has long accorded great importance to cultural exchange (cinema, theatre, art, books, ideas, media) and the promotion of the French language and multilingualism. To that end, France maintains an extensive network of cultural institutes, Alliances Françaises and French lycées throughout the world. It contributes to increasing the presence of its media (TV5, France 24, RFI).

Promotion of the French language, spoken by more than 180 million people, is also supported by the international organisation of the French-speaking world (Francophonie-OIF), which maintains programmes of cultural exchange among its 63 member states and governments (French-speaking sub-Saharan and North Africa, North America, Middle East, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Europe, former Indochina, Pacific). The heads of state and government meet at a summit every two years. The OIF is also committed to defending democratic values and human rights among its members.

France also intends to strengthen its position on the international market for the knowledge economy by exporting French, or “French-style”, higher education and seeking to attract and retain the loyalty of the best students from abroad via exchange and mobility programmes.

Source : France 2008, La Documentation française