Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce funding to support Francophone countries in Africa and efforts to promote the French language in Francophonie.
Prime Minister Trudeau is expected to announce the funding on Saturday when he concludes a visit to France for the Francophonie Summit.
The federal government will direct $16 million to support access to education, women and girls, youth health, and community safety in Francophone African countries.
The City of Ottawa is also earmarking $1.6 million for French-language scientific research, student mobility, youth employability and expanding content on French-language streaming platforms.
Prime Minister Trudeau took part in an armchair debate on artificial intelligence on Friday, and leaders held a session on the challenges for Francophones in the digital age.
The Francophone Summit is held every two years and gives Francophone countries the opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen ties while promoting a common language.
This year, leaders are also focusing on the ongoing and escalating Middle East war that is also affecting Lebanon, a member of the Organization of the Francophonie.
The Israeli military on Thursday warned people to evacuate cities and other communities in southern Lebanon north of the United Nations-declared buffer zone, expanding a ground operation launched earlier this week against the militant group Hezbollah. suggested that it might be possible.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said she would meet with Lebanon’s information minister during the summit. The prime minister also met with his French counterpart on Friday to discuss ways to bring peace and stability to the Middle East.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 4, 2024.