News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – New Brunswickers are invited to celebrate International Francophonie Day, Sunday, March 20.

Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud, who is also the minister responsible for the Francophonie, invites all residents to join francophones around the world to mark this day.

"On March 20, we celebrate our connection to the big francophone family, with more than 220 million French-speakers," he said.

Abdou Diouf, secretary-general of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (the international organization of the Francophonie), has dedicated International Francophonie Day 2011 to youth.

"I am delighted to see that the Francophonie opens our young people's minds to the world," Robichaud said. "New Brunswick hosted the 1999 Francophonie Summit, and its main theme was youth. Since then, the province has continued to play an influential role in the Francophonie to ensure the active participation of young people."

New Brunswick has been a member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie since 1977. The province's bilateral and multilateral relations with the countries of the Francophonie provide it with opportunities to forge economic, social and cultural ties on the five continents.

The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie was founded on March 20, 1970, the date of the signing of the Treaty of Niamey. It is based on the common use of the French language and the sharing of universal values, and it recognizes and promotes cultural diversity, dialogue, and peaceful development. Membership comprises 75 states and governments, including 56 members and 19 observers.