Explore La Francophonie

Organisation internationale de la Francophonie

The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is an institution founded on the basis of a shared language (French) and shared values. In 2008, the OIF has 55 member states and governments and 13 observer states, representing a total population of 803.44 million.

There are 200 million French speakers around the world. The OIF is present on five continents and represents close to one-third of all United Nations member states.

The OIF supports it member states in policy development and consolidation, and spearheads political action for multilateral cooperation, in accordance with the four key missions identified by the Francophonie Summit:

• promoting the French language and cultural and linguistic diversity;
• promoting peace, democracy and human rights;
• supporting education, training, higher education and research;
• promoting cooperation to ensure sustainable development and solidarity.

Special attention is given to youth and women, and to access to information and communication technologies.

Secretary General

The Secretary General is the head of the OIF. The Secretary General directs the political action of La Francophonie and act as the spokesperson and official representative of La Francophonie at the international level.

Abdou Diouf has been Secretary General of La Francophonie since 2003. He was re-elected to a four-year term on September 29, 2006.

Bodies

The OIF operates under the authority of political bodies:

Francophonie Summit

The Conference of Heads of State and Government of Countries Using French as a Common Language, held every two years;

Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie

The Conference of ministers of Foreign Affairs or ministers responsible for La Francophonie, held every year, ensures political continuity between Summits;

Permanent Council of La Francophonie

Council chaired by the Secretary General of La Francophonie and made up of personal representatives duly accredited by the heads of States or governments that are members of the Summit; the Council is responsible for preparing for and following up on the Summit.