Phnom Penh:As Cambodia gears up to host the 20th Francophonie Summit, the capital city is preparing for an influx of cultural and gastronomic festivities at the Francophonie Village. The event, scheduled from November 13 to 17, 2026, at Wat Botum Watey Garden, will celebrate the Francophone world's culture, tourism, business, and international solidarity.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Francophonie Village will be a major public event, aiming to bring together nearly 90 nations and governments associated with the Francophone community. Under the theme 'The Khmer Smile will be the Smile of Francophonie,' the village intends to showcase cultural diversity, strengthen solidarity among French-speaking nations, and foster connections between citizens.
H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women's Affairs and Chairwoman of the Fifth Sub-Commission for Side Events, emphasized the event's role in cultural exchange. She stated that the village would provide a platform for the Cambodian public to engage with the cultural richness of the Francophone world, promoting tourism, economic cooperation, and cultural understanding.
The Francophonie Village will feature national pavilions, cultural and artistic performances, conferences, exhibitions, and a Francophone Gastronomy Village. Designed as a free admission event, it will allow both local and international visitors to experience the diversity of Francophone cultures. Dr. Chuk Chumnor, Director General of Tourism Development and International Cooperation, noted the progress in preparations, ensuring infrastructure and security measures are in place.
The event aims to offer more than entertainment by providing a platform for countries and communities to present their identities and explore opportunities for cooperation. It will be part of the broader programme of events for the 20th Francophonie Summit, which will also include FrancoTech, focusing on business, technology, research, and innovation.
Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi has encouraged public participation, highlighting Cambodia's role in fostering cultural diversity as a source of connection and mutual respect.