emirates7 - The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) celebrated on Sunday its "Honour Day" at Expo 2020 Dubai with a showcase of some of the organisation's 88 member countries at Al Wasl Plaza, coinciding with the annual International Francophonie Day.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, welcomed Louise Mushikiwabo, OIF Secretary-General, at the ceremony.

The celebrations included music and dance performances by artists from OIF member countries – Joseph Terterian, a soprano from Armenia; dancer Jeny BSG from Belgium/Democratic Republic of Congo; and DJ Willy William from France/Mauritius.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, "Through the OIF's strong presence across nine-member pavilions, visitors can interact with major flagship projects and programming activities, while discovering the latest Francophone innovations in fields of sustainable development, innovation, gender equality and more.

"We are pleased to share solid ties with the OIF and its Member States, which are based on the values of inclusivity, multiculturalism, and international cooperation that seeks to realise a better future for all members. We are committed to promoting the principles that we share through strategic initiatives, action plans and activities that pay tribute to promote cultural pluralism in the UAE."

Mushikiwabo, who highlighted this year's International Francophonie Day theme, 'Youth of the Francophone Countries', said, "The youth is our strength, a strength our organisation must make more active. They aspire to have access to employment, benefit from quality education, and live in a healthy environment.

"Our organisation, the OIF, can and must support them in these areas, which are vital for their future and for that of La Francophonie, enabling young people to acquire the skills and competencies needed to undertake, innovate and enter the labour market, investing in their training while taking into account their geographical mobility."

She lauded Expo 2020 Dubai for helping to "bring together entrepreneurs, investors and promoters of all French-speaking countries through economic and trade missions" through the pavilion.

The OIF is an international organisation representing countries and regions where French is a lingua franca or customary language, where a significant proportion of the population are francophones. The organisation comprises 88 member states and governments – of these, 54 states and governments are full members, seven – including the UAE – are associate members, and 27 are observers.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo's 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.