AKP Phnom Penh, June 16, 2026 --

As Cambodia prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in November, universities, students and language experts are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the country’s largest international gatherings, bringing together leaders and representatives from 90 member states of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

Scheduled for Nov. 15-16, 2026, the summit will gather heads of state and government from French-speaking countries to discuss major geopolitical, economic and development issues, while also opening new avenues for cooperation among member nations.

For Cambodia, hosting the event represents not only an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with the Francophone community but also a chance to present the country’s culture, hospitality and growing engagement with the French-speaking world, said Mr. Sok Limsrorn, Deputy Director of Department of French (Département d’Études Francophones – DEF) of the Institute of Foreign Languages at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP).

The DEF has planned to deploy around 30 students, accompanied by lecturers, to assist with coordination, communications and interpretation services for international delegates attending the summit.

“The Francophonie Summit is a major international gathering involving 90 countries, and our department is proud to contribute to this important event,” he told AKP last weekend.

The department has been working closely with relevant institutions and has provided students with opportunities to participate in various training programmes, including courses on oral interpretation organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, he said.

Students from the second, third and fourth years with strong French proficiency have already received practical experience through coordination and communication assignments and the DEF is also ready to be part of the liaison officers or hospitality personnel, Mr. Sok Limsrorn added.

“Our students can effectively support delegates in general communication and non-formal exchanges […], while our experienced lecturers are also be ready to provide the professional simultaneous interpretation,” he affirmed.

Beyond diplomacy, Mr. Sok Limsrorn believed that the summit will provide a unique opportunity for Cambodia to present itself to the international community.

The DEF Deputy Director described Cambodians as people who appreciate the French language and Francophone culture, while also being known for their openness, friendliness and commitment to peace.

“This event is an opportunity to show the Francophone community and the world that Cambodians are warm, welcoming and peace-loving people,” he said. “We want the summit to run smoothly so that international guests leave with positive impressions of Cambodia and its people.”

For many students studying French, the summit represents more than an international conference — it is also a gateway to professional and personal development.

Mr. Chum Sokpanha, a first-year student at the DEF, said Cambodia’s role as host would help strengthen friendships with member states and create employment opportunities for young Cambodians, particularly those proficient in French.

He believes the event will encourage more students to pursue French studies and contribute to promoting Cambodia abroad.

“Hosting the summit will motivate students to improve their knowledge and communication skills in French,” he stressed. “It will help raise Cambodia’s profile internationally and allow the world to better understand our country’s development and rich culture.”

Mr. Chun Sokpanha said he chose to study French because relatively few young Cambodians pursue the language and because he hopes to become a diplomat in the future.

“I want to help promote the French language in Cambodia and eventually work in diplomacy,” he said.

Another first-year student, Miss Por Kimheng, described the summit as a source of national pride and an opportunity to showcase Cambodia’s civilisation and cultural heritage to the world.

“With 90 countries participating, this is a proud moment for Cambodia and for all Cambodians,” she said.

Miss Por Kimheng believes the event will contribute to the expansion of French-language education and create more opportunities for students seeking careers related to the language.

“For me, French is unique and offers promising career prospects,” she said. “In the future, I hope to become a French teacher, just like my lecturers.”

Founded in 1970, La Francophonie promotes the French language and fosters political, educational, economic, and cultural cooperation among its 90 member states and governments, including 53 full members, five associate members, and 32 observer countries. Worldwide, an estimated 396 million people speak and use French. 

Mr. Sok Limsrorn, Deputy Director of Department of French at the Institute of Foreign Languages

Mr. Chum Sokpanha, a first-year student at the Department of French

Miss Por Kimheng, a first-year student at the Department of French

Francophone students

By Heng Panha & Phal Sophanith