Francophone Day in Ho Chi Minh City promotes French as bridge for cultures, careers

The event, aimed at promoting French as a bridge for cultural exchange and expanded study and career opportunities, drew large numbers of students, with more than 3,000 attendees in the morning alone.

It was organized by the French Embassy in Vietnam, the French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, the French Institute in Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, the Consulate General of Switzerland, the Consulate General of Canada and the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF), and other partners.

The event was family-friendly, featuring children’s activities, shopping areas, art performances, and a food space.

Highlights included a public speaking contest with the participation of middle and high school students, university students, and native speakers; a career seminar with experts in tourism, translation, and Francophone businesses; and a dedicated space for study opportunities in France; alongside a talk with alumni.

The program also featured short film screenings, and an exhibition titled 'Pot-au-Phở' showcasing black-and-white photographs highlighting words of French origin commonly used in Vietnam and the everyday objects they refer to.

At the fest held at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School in Xuan Hoa Ward, French Consul General Etienne Ranaivoson emphasized that French, spoken by 400 million people worldwide, serves as a link between cultures, generations, and nations.

It opens up a space for dialogue, diversity, and solidarity, he added.

“And today, as we look at the students, the young people learning French, we see that future taking shape,” Ranaivoson said.

“With your determination, eagerness to learn, and resilience, you have gone beyond learning a language.

"You are building bridges.”

Nguyen Bao Quoc, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, said that in the context of deepening global integration, learning and using foreign languages, including French, will broaden opportunities for study, exchange, and career development for young people.

“I believe the teaching and learning of French in Ho Chi Minh City will continue to grow strongly, contributing to training high-quality human resources that meet the demands of international integration,” he said.

“I believe the 2026 Francophone Day holds special significance, as we have successfully mobilized and coordinated with all partners involved in the Francophone community,” said Anne Laure Vincent, education cooperation attaché at the French Institute in Vietnam.

“I hope this will mark the beginning of a long-term series of activities, held annually to sustain the vitality and positive energy surrounding the Francophone community.”