Brian Jeffrey
At the Francophonie Summit held in Paris on October 5th, the Global Vietnam and La Francophonie Forum 2024 (OGVF 2024) was convened by the Global Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts to showcase Vietnam’s influential position within the Francophone community.
More than 100 experts across various disciplines engaged in discussions about the future of the Francophone community and Vietnam’s vital contributions. Professor Nguyen Duc Khuong, the Executive Director of EMLV Business School, highlighted Vietnam’s proactive approach in promoting collaboration across multiple sectors.
The focus of OGVF 2024 included discussions centered on Vietnam’s strengths in areas such as geopolitics, economics, technology, education, health, and culture, in line with the aspirations of both developed nations like France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, as well as developing regions in Africa.
Praising OGVF 2024, Professor Nguyen Duc Minh, Vice President of the Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences, acknowledged the role of overseas Vietnamese intellectuals as key players in connecting Vietnam globally.
The contributions of these intellectuals are highly valued by the Party and State and are reflected in initiatives like Resolution 45, which aims to harness human resources to bolster Vietnam’s standing in sectors such as sustainable growth, circular economies, and technological advancements.
During the session on comprehensive perspectives, attendees analyzed the challenges and opportunities for the Francophonie in the era of globalization.
Jean-Lou Blachier, President of the Francophone Business Association, shared insights from French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing the global reach of the Francophonie and the need for enhanced cooperation among its member states for solid economic progress.
Professor Pierre Féniès from the University of Paris Panthéon Assas pointed out Vietnam’s integral role in electronics manufacturing, advising the nation to prioritize the reuse and recycling of components in mobile phone production.
He asserted that Vietnam has great potential in moving towards a sustainable logistics model with the capability to export not just to Africa but also to Europe.
Dominici Matteo, Chairman of Merja Zarka, elaborated on the collaboration among Francophone countries, focusing on renewable energy and innovations in technology.
He also noted the importance of cultural and linguistic connections in fostering relationships between France and other Francophone nations, particularly in Africa and Asia, including Vietnam.
Martin Francis, President of the French-Vietnamese Lung Association, remarked on Vietnam’s progress in the healthcare sector, highlighting successful partnerships with French experts for medical training.
Professor Vo Trung Toan, a rehabilitation doctor residing in France, shared his insights on teaching French to Vietnamese medical professionals participating in internships in France, emphasizing the Francophonie’s role in enhancing healthcare access and monitoring diseases in Vietnam.
The forum was privileged to host a gathering with General Secretary and President To Lam on the morning of October 5th. Dinh Thanh Huong, Executive Director of Knowledge and Projects at AVSE Global, aptly remarked, “Talent must not only exist in theory but act in practice,” underlining the significance of the diaspora in nurturing patriotism and innovation.
These dialogues reflect the strengthening relationships and the immense potential for collaboration within the Francophone community, underlining Vietnam’s pivotal role in global economic, cultural, and technological exchanges.
Tran Thuong, Hien Anh
