About the Summit's organization

Special projects

The Secrétariat d'organisation du XII^e Sommet de la Francophonie has received a resource envelope from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) and the Ministère des Relations internationales (MRI) to fund special projects promoting La Francophonie. The purpose of the program is to stimulate initiatives and encourage public awareness of La Francophonie.

We thank the organizations that have submitted an application for financial assistance. The cut-off date was April 25, 2008. For more information, consult the Special projects financial assistance program (PDF, 250 KB).

The Secretariat has helped fund 19 events:

• VI^e Conférence francophone des Organisations internationales non gouvernementales (OING) et des Organisations de la société civile (OSC)

  Presented by the Société nationale de l'Acadie
  Website: http://ong-francophonie.net/index.php [in French only]
  May 14 to 18, 2008
  Caraquet, New Brunswick

  This conference, which brought together 100 delegates representing 63 non governmental organizations, provided information for international non governmental organizations (INGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) regarding the directions of the Summit and providing them with a role in promoting the objectives and activities of La Francophonie. The conference was also aimed at fostering cooperation and strengthening the partnership between the organizations.

• Rencontre internationale de la Francophonie économique 2008 (RIFÉ)

  Presented by the Chambre de commerce de Québec
  Website: www.ccquebec.ca/rife2008/ [in French only]
  May 16 to 19, 2008
  Loews Le Concorde Hotel, Québec City
  General Information: 418-647-2222

  At this meeting, which brought together stakeholders interested in developing the Francophone economic area, a progress report was presented and the Francophone economic area defined. This generated concrete solutions in terms of economic policy, priority issues and the steps to be taken to ensure the sustainability of the Francophone economic area. Recommendations in this regard will be submitted to the heads of state at the XII^e Sommet de la Francophonie.

  
• Twentieth Anniversary of the Institut de l'énergie et de l'environnement des pays ayant le français en partage (IEPF)

  Presented by the Institut de l'énergie et de l'environnement des pays ayant le français en partage (IEPF)
  Website: www.iepf.org [in French only]
  June 1, 2 and 3, 2008
  Québec City
  General information: 418-692-5727
  Open to the public

  A scientific symposium, a cultural evening and a media campaign marked the 20^th anniversary of the IEPF. This series of events helped raise the profile of Francophonie activities in the environment, energy and sustainable development sectors.

  

  

  
• 53^e Session ministérielle de la Conférence des ministres de l'Éducation des pays ayant le français en partage (CONFEMEN)

  Presented by les Productions Ode inc.
  Website: www.confemen.org [in French only]
  June 1 to 8, 2008
  École des pêches, Caraquet, New Brunswick

  This meeting brought together government ministers and representatives and focussed specifically on secondary education. It was an opportunity to give direction to education policies in countries sharing the use of French to incorporate educational systems as a core component of social and economic development processes and to introduce innovative practices from Canada.

  CONFEMEN, the oldest international institution of La Francophonie, brings together some 40 states and governments and works to promote education and vocational and technical training.

  
• 3^e Conférence internationale sur le vieillissement de l'Association internationale francophone des aînés

  Presented by the Association internationale francophone des aînés (AIFA)
  Website: www.aifa.ca [in French only]
  June 4, 5 and 6, 2008
  Hôtel Québec, Québec City
  General information: 418-877-2226

  This international Francophone conference was attended by seniors and specialists from various Francophone countries. It focused on the power of seniors, their active role in their communities, their growing economic contribution, and improvement of their living conditions.

• Conference of Montreal - Economic Development and Infrastructure

  Presented by the Institut international d'études administratives de Montréal inc.
  Website: www.conferencedemontreal.com/accueil.html?L=1
  June 9 to 12, 2008
  Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel, Montreal
  General information: 514-878-2332

  As part of the conference, for which the theme was “Mastering change: The great transition”, a workshop was held on economic development and infrastructure in La Francophonie. It was attended by decision-makers, politicians and business people affected by this problem.

• XI^e Rencontre du Comité syndical francophone de l'éducation et de la formation

  Presented by the Comité syndical francophone de l'éducation et de la formation (CSFEF)
  Website: www.csfef.org [in French only]
  June 11, 12 and 13, 2008
  Hôtel PUR, Québec City
  General information: 418-647-2611

  This meeting of Francophone teachers' unions centred on Summit issues and the CSFEF report and action plan. In addition, a symposium bringing together stakeholders in the area of research and teachers' unions in La Francophonie highlighted the CSFEF's 20 years and featured discussion of issues such as education reform.

• XII^e Congrès mondial de la Fédération internationale des professeurs de français

  Presented by the Fédération internationale des professeurs de français (FIPF)
  Website: www.fipf.org [in French only]
  July 21 to 25, 2008
  Centre des congrès de Québec
  General information: 418-644-4000 or 1-888-679-4000

  This symposium, attended by 1500 participants from more than 142 countries, addressed the socio-political, cultural, educational and technological issues of the Francophone identity within La Francophonie. Symposium objectives included providing greater visibility for the French-speaking community, both in Canada and internationally, and prompting French-language teachers within La Francophonie to become more involved. The symposium concluded with an evening of music by the Oliver Jones international jazz trio.

• Le plus grand continent francophone présente son cinéma

  Presented by Vues d'Afrique
  Website: www.vuesdafrique.org [in French only]
  September 14 to 20, 2008
  Musée de la civilisation, Québec City
  General information: 418-643-2158, Ext. 389
  Open to the public, free admission

  A week of activities, including screenings of the best African films as well as a screening of Haitian films with participation by the directors, followed by panel forums with the filmmakers. Round tables, professional meetings and an exhibit of photographs and posters will round out the activities. This presentation will be a meeting of cultures, mutual reception and true dialogue.

• La Francoderole, une œuvre artistique réalisée par les enfants de la Francophonie

  Presented by La Francoderole
  Website: www.francoderole.com [in French only]
  October 1, 2 and 3, 2008
  General information: 1-877-828-0097

  A large banner will be created by some 400 elementary school students (under 12 years of age) from Québec and will depict themes related to La Francophonie. The banner will be displayed at one of the Summit sites.

  

  
• Léopold Sédar Senghor et la promotion du patrimoine immatériel dans des pays de la Francophonie

  Presented by the Collectif des femmes pour la promotion du patrimoine immatériel en Francophonie
  Website: www.patrimoineimmat.org [in French only]
  October 3 to 29, 2008
  Various locations in Québec City
  General information: 418-688-7540
  Open to the public

  Exhibits, a gala evening, a fashion show on the theme of diversity in La Francophonie and discovery of African cuisine will promote the intangible heritage of Francophone countries.

  

  
• 2^e Forum international des Caravanes francophones

  Presented by Les Arts et la Ville
  Website: www.caravanedesdixmots.com [in French only]
  October 8 to 12, 2008
  In several Québec City theatres

  On the basis of 10 words selected for Quebec, 25 creative minds from 25 Francophone countries will provide artistic performances, debates on the French language, an exhibit and short films on La Francophonie.

• Participation canadienne des jeunes en Francophonie : « Pour la pérennité des idéaux »

  Presented by the Conseil international des organisations des jeunes de la Francophonie (CIJEF)
  Website: www.jeunesse.francophonie.org/accueil/index.cfm [in French only]
  October 12 to 18, 2008
  Québec City, Québec; Moncton, New Brunswick; Ottawa, Ontario

  This event will enable young people to participate in various Summit activities, giving Francophone youth from Canada and around the world the opportunity to meet together.

• Assemblée annuelle de l'Association internationale des maires francophones

  Presented by the Association internationale des maires francophones (AIMF)
  Website: www.aimf.asso.fr/index_temp.asp [in French only]
  October 14 to 16, 2008
  Château Bonne Entente Hotel, Québec City
  General information: 418-653-5221
  Admission by invitation only

  Mayors who belong to the AIMF will gather for their general meeting. The main theme will be municipal finances. These meetings will give local communities a voice by providing them with an international forum to improve municipal management by promoting activities such as exchanges of experiences.

• L'improvisation théâtrale et la Francophonie mondiale

  Presented by Théâtre de la Ligue nationale d'improvisation (LNI)
  Website: www.lni.ca/fr/index.php3 [in French only]
  Cabaret du Capitole de Québec
  October 15 and 16, 2008
  General information: 418-694-4444

  Two improvisational theatre shows featuring comedians from 12 Francophonie member countries and a host team from Québec will be staged for the general public. These shows will illustrate the wealth and cultural differences of peoples who all share the same language.

• Rendez-vous de la coopération québécoise et canadienne dans la Francophonie

  Presented by Rendez-vous de la coopération québécoise et canadienne dans la Francophonie (19 participating organizations)
  Website: www.rvcooperation.com [in French only]
  October 15 to 17, 2008
  Pavillon Alphonse-Desjardins, Université Laval, Québec City
  General information: 418-656-2131
  Loews Le Concorde Hotel, Québec City
  General information: 418-647-2222
  Open to delegates

  The Rendez-vous de la coopération is an international event bringing together Québec and Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in cooperation in Francophonie countries. The central theme of the event will be the issues relating to civil society and civil society's place within cooperation and La Francophonie. An exhibit of photographs and an information booth will provide visitors with information on the cause of international cooperation within La Francophonie. A conference on cooperation in La Francophonie will be held at the Loews Le Concorde Hotel on October 16 at 6:30 p.m. A limited number of Summit delegates will be invited to this event.

• Francophonie autochtone

  Presented by the Corporation du Wapikoni mobile
  Website: www.wapikoni.ca [in French only]
  October 18, 2008
  Musée de la civilisation, Québec City
  General information: 418-643-2158, ext. 389
  Open to the public, free admission

  Screening of short films that explore the French-speaking community of Aboriginal people in isolated Québec communities. Also, a round table of young Aboriginal Francophones from three different nations will present a little-known aspect of La Francophonie.

• Francorythmes

  Presented by Maison des cultures nomades
  Website: www.wapikoni.ca [in French only]
  October 18, 2008
  Musée de la civilisation, Québec City
  General information: 418-643-2158, ext. 389
  Open to the public, free admission

  As part of a show presenting the idea of “the first arrivals welcoming the new arrivals”, young hip-hop singers from Francophone First Nations of Canada will welcome to the stage Francophone hip-hop singers from the diverse cultures of Québec. This show will give young people from different horizons the opportunity to sing about the meeting in French in a variety of accents.

• Les III^es Rencontres internationales francophones de la bioéthique

  Website: www.ethique.gouv.qc.ca/III-emes-Rencontres.html [in French only]
  October 20 to 22, 2008
  Law faculty, Pavillon Charles-de Koninck, Université Laval, Québec City
  General information: 418-656-3480

  This meeting will address the geo-cultural aspects of bioethics by inviting Francophone stakeholders in this area who do not always have access to expertise in French to exchange their thoughts and experiences. It will also make bioethics a new area for governance, diversity and sharing in Francophone countries.