10:30 a.m. - Roundtable Discussion: The Francophonie—Where Do We Stand Today?

November 26, 2026
French is the fifth most widely spoken language in the world, with more than 300 million speakers across five continents, and continues to grow in many regions. However, the French-speaking world faces new challenges: changing language practices, the appeal of education in French, and the renewal of cultural and academic cooperation.
This roundtable discussion will bring together experts and key stakeholders from the Francophone world to assess the current state of the French language globally, analyze current trends, and explore future prospects. Discussions will focus in particular on the role of French in education, student mobility, language policies, the role of Francophone institutions, and the opportunities offered by the diversity of Francophone communities.

With the participation of :
Cynthia Eid, president of the International Federation of French Teachers (FIPF)
Mohamed Embarki, Director of the French Language Observatory at the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF)
Paul Rondin, director of the Cité internationale de la langue française
Pierre Salam, director of the Maison des langues at Le Mans University and president of the MEnS network

Through their complementary perspectives, the speakers will offer insights into the contemporary realities of the Francophonie and the strategies for strengthening the influence of the French language in an ever-changing world. This event is open to anyone interested in the future of the French language and its role as a forum for dialogue and international cooperation.

Hosted by:
Catherine Carras, director of the CUEF
Diana-Lee Simon, associate professor of Linguistics
 
Registration
Published on 18 September 2026
Updated on 28 September 2026