The Vanuatu Trade Commission Ghana (VTC Ghana) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting multilingualism, cultural diplomacy, and international cooperation following the proposal for the establishment of a Francophonie Prize at the annual Accra Francophonie Festival.
The proposal, initiated by the Republic of Guinea and submitted to the Heads of Mission of Francophonie member countries, seeks to establish an annual award to recognise individuals or institutions that have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the promotion of the French language and Francophone values, both in Ghana and internationally.
Speaking at the festival, monitored by the Ghana News Agency, the Vanuatu Trades Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Professor Hugh Aryee described Vanuatu’s participation as an opportunity to strengthen cross-regional dialogue and collaboration.
“Vanuatu’s bilingual heritage, with both French and English as official languages, places our country in a unique position to contribute constructively to the objectives of the Francophonie. Vanuatu is the only nation in the South Pacific using both French and English as official mediums of communication,” Prof Aryee said.
“Through our engagement in Ghana, we seek to promote cultural understanding, cooperation, and shared values that benefit communities across the Pacific and Africa.”
He emphasized that the festival provided an important platform for multilateral engagement, fostering partnerships between Francophone missions and countries that share an interest in promoting language, culture, and development.
“The Francophonie represents a network of shared principles—peace, democracy, education, and human rights—that transcend borders,” he added.
“The proposed prize offers an important opportunity to recognise individuals and institutions that have advanced these values, while also encouraging meaningful collaboration between regions.”
Prof Aryee highlighted Vanuatu’s commitment to practical cultural diplomacy, noting the Trade Commission’s efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges and institutional cooperation in Ghana and beyond.
“Our participation is guided by the belief that language and culture are not only expressions of identity but also bridges for sustainable partnerships,” he said.
“Vanuatu stands ready to support initiatives that encourage cross-cultural engagement, inclusive dialogue, and cooperation among Francophone and non-Francophone countries alike.”
The proposed Francophonie Prize is envisioned as a highlight of the Accra Francophonie Festival, which is held annually in March.
The award would honour achievements in the promotion of the French language, Francophone literature, education, cultural diversity, peace, democracy, and sustainable development.
Under the proposed framework, nominees will include individuals and institutions from the public and private sectors, with a selection process coordinated by the Ghanaian Francophonie component of the festival’s Technical Committee.
Final candidates will be submitted to the Heads of Mission for voting at least ten days before the award ceremony.
The proposal notes that Vanuatu’s participation underscores the importance of inclusive, multilingual engagement and exemplifies the potential of cross-regional partnerships in promoting the values of the Francophonie.
Some observers said that Vanuatu’s involvement provides a model for other small states in leveraging cultural diplomacy to enhance their international presence and foster mutually beneficial collaborations.
“It is our hope that this initiative will inspire more countries to engage actively in the Francophonie, and that together, we can build bridges of understanding, cooperation, and shared progress,” Prof Aryee concluded.
The Francophonie Prize, once established, is expected to become a prestigious annual recognition, reflecting excellence in cultural, linguistic, and educational contributions and highlighting the inclusive, international character of the Francophonie community.
