KUWAIT CITY, May 1: The ‘Francophonie Month 2025’ closing ceremony was held recently under the patronage and in the presence of Honorary President of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie in Kuwait (CPFK) His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad. In his speech on the auspicious occasion, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad underscored the importance of the event, expressing his pride in participating in it in appreciation of the cultural role played by Francophonie. He highlighted its notable contribution to contemporary global culture and its vital role in promoting dialogue and cultural diversity in a world rapidly moving toward globalization. He affirmed “the French language occupies a prominent position in the world of thought and culture; characterized by its clarity, delicateness and logical precision.

These characteristics have made it a popular language in the fields of Philosophy, Law and Diplomacy. Since the 17th century, it has been supported by the efforts of the Académie Française to standardize the language.” He pointed out that French is a refined and melodious language deeply intertwined with the artistic expressions of poetry, song and storytelling. It helped express complex philosophical ideas in an understandable language, facilitating their dissemination during the Age of Enlightenment. He stressed that Francophonie played a distinctive role in enriching Arab culture, especially since French was the official language of European culture from the 17th century until the end of the 19th century. He said that intellectual, political and diplomatic elites used it as a means of dialogue and openness; adding that it was used by kings, ambassadors and non-native thinkers, most notably the Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu and Pascal. He continued saying that the French language played a major role in spreading the concepts of rationalism, politics and human rights; and clearly contributed to the emergence of modern concepts like the social contract, individual freedom and separation of powers. He stated that these concepts were first formulated in French before being translated into the rest of Europe’s languages. He added the French language has produced a rich world literature, ranging from novels like those of Balzac and Flaubert, to theater such as those of Molière and Corneille, and poetry such as those of Baudelaire and Rimbaud. He asserted that French literature has won the largest number of Nobel Prizes and has a prominent presence in the arts, fashion and cinema; ranging from Impressionism and painting to pioneering French cinema.

He emphasized that Francophonie is not merely a means of communication, but rather a carrier of cultural heritage and concepts that have shaped modern western consciousness. He described French as “the language of reason and beauty” for its phonetic elegance and philosophical and poetic vocabulary. “The language is still used in international forums and centers of intellectual and legal legislation, most notably the United Nations and the International Organization of La Francophonie. Kuwait is keen on providing all the necessary facilities to support Francophonie, as it has always been an incubator for culture and arts in the region. Its doors will remain open for the exchange of knowledge and cultural cooperation with various French-speaking countries,” he stressed.

He pointed out that the French language, with its long history, is present on all continents -- from Asia to Africa, from Canada in the North to Haiti in the South, and even New Caledonia and Tahiti in the Pacific Ocean, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean. He wished it further spread and prosperity until it reaches the North and South Poles. His Highness concluded his speech by conveying feelings of friendship and celebration to all French-speaking peoples, extending his thanks to the ambassadors of the member states of the Francophonie Organization for their participation in this celebration and praising the successful organization of the evening.

On the other hand, French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin, said “thanks to the collective efforts of the members of the Council for the Promotion of La Francophonie -- 44 ambassadors -- and our partners. We held an exceptional celebration that coincided with the announcement of Kuwait as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media.” He asserted that La Francophonie promotes the values of participation and cultural diversity. He said the French language -- which is spoken by more than 320 million people in 130 countries, including 500,000 in Kuwait -- is considered a tool for building bridges between cultures and promoting dialogue and exchange. He stated that around 50,000 students in Kuwaiti public schools learn French annually, reflecting the growing local interest in the language. He then quoted French writer and Nobel laureate Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio, stating, “Francophonie is a space for dialogue and exchange, a place where cultures meet.” Addressing His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad, he said; You are the father of Francophonie in Kuwait. You took the initiative to support it in the 1980s. On this occasion, the Council for the Promotion of Francophone Languages in Kuwait unanimously chose you as its honorary president. So, Your Highness, allow me to reiterate by deep gratitude to you.”

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff