Synopsis: The 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh will showcase Franco-Cambodian cooperation through cultural performances, educational opportunities, technological innovation and sustainable development initiatives, with more than 1,200 journalists from nearly 40 countries expected to cover the event.

An artificial intelligence-powered avatar of legendary Cambodian singer Sinn Sisamouth will allow visitors to interact with the late music icon inside a traditional tuk-tuk as France showcases cultural, educational and development cooperation during the 20th Francophonie Summit.

The experience will form part of the Pavillon France at the Village de la Francophonie in Phnom Penh from Friday to Tuesday, offering five days of exhibitions, cultural performances and activities highlighting the partnership between the two countries.

Developed by French company Ask Mona, the experience will combine digital innovation with Cambodia’s musical heritage, allowing visitors to converse with a virtual representation of Sinn Sisamouth inside a traditional Cambodian tuk-tuk.

The pavilion will showcase Franco-Cambodian cooperation across three main thematic areas: the French language and mobility opportunities, culture and artistic creation, and science and sustainable development.

Through interactive games, videos, exhibitions, digital resources and activities, visitors will explore the partnership between the two countries. Information and activities will be available in French and Khmer.

The Wat Botum Park is among the venues for the related events of the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh. KT/Chor Sokunthea

The pavilion is open to the public free of charge from 10am to 8pm throughout the five-day programme, with staff to welcome visitors, provide information and guide them through the exhibitions, according to a French Institute of Cambodia (IFC) press release yesterday.

France’s wider programme will feature approximately 20 free events at the Village de la Francophonie, IFC, Chaktomuk Conference Hall and The Last Stage Aquation Theatre.

Activities include concerts, workshops, conferences, debates, Francophone karaoke, theatre and dance performances, film screenings and exhibitions.

Highlights are a France-Cambodia concert on Sunday at 5.30pm, bringing together French and Cambodian artists for a musical performance combining jazz, pop, French songs, electronic music and traditional Khmer instruments.

The programme features a Francophone karaoke event with Aline Afanoukoé on Saturday, alongside theatrical performances and discussions on biodiversity, agroecology and public health.

Other cultural activities are the presentation of five short films by young Cambodian filmmakers, exhibitions highlighting contemporary Cambodian graphic design and opportunities to meet French and Cambodian artists.

A drinking-water fountain will be installed at the Village de la Francophonie through cooperation between the Agence française de développement (AFD) and the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA).

The initiative highlights cooperation between France and Cambodia to improve access to clean drinking water in Phnom Penh. More than 1.3 million people in the capital have access to safe drinking water through the Bakheng project, co-financed by AFD, the European Investment Bank, the European Union and PPWSA.

Billboards display the date and venue of the Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh. KT/Chor Sokunthea

French Ambassador to Cambodia Olivier Richard said the summit would provide an opportunity to celebrate friendship between the two countries as France prepares to hand over the Francophonie Summit presidency to Cambodia for the next two years.

In a public message published on the IFC website, Ambassador Richard said the countries share commitments to the French language, cultural diversity, education, opportunities for younger generations, peace, democracy and sustainable development.

“This ‘handover’ between our two countries represents an opportunity to celebrate the strength of Franco-Cambodian friendship and reaffirm our commitment to the values that unite us: the French language as a means of sharing; cultural and linguistic diversity as a richness to be preserved and nurtured; education and attention to younger generations; peace, democracy and sustainable development. These are shared values that we must strive to preserve for the future of coming generations,” he said.

Ambassador Richard added that the Pavillon France would showcase the partnership between the two countries, giving visitors five days to explore cooperation and discover professional and personal development opportunities that the Francophone community offers young people.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said the summit is significant, speaking during a public address in Pursat province on November 5.

He said leaders and representatives from 70 countries have registered to attend the gathering in Phnom Penh, while more than 20 countries have confirmed that their top leaders, including heads of state, presidents and prime ministers, will attend the summit.

Mr Hun Manet said Cambodia’s role as host of the international gathering is a source of national pride.

“This is a great honour and a historic event, of which every Cambodian should be proud that our country can host such an international gathering,” he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron is among the world leaders expected to attend the summit. His visit marks the first state visit by a French president since Charles de Gaulle’s visit in 1966.

Former French President François Mitterrand visited Cambodia in 1993.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that during the visit, Macron will have an audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace and meet Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Macron will join the King at the closing ceremony of the renovation project at the Western Mebon Temple in Siem Reap province.

The ministry added that agreements and cooperation documents covering economy, investment, culture and defence will be signed during the visit, strengthening bilateral relations between Cambodia and France.

The International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) comprises 90 member states, including 53 full members, five associate members and 32 observers.

The Ministry of Information reported that 78 of the 90 countries have confirmed participation in the summit.

Information Minister Neth Pheaktra met with OIF communications director Oria Kije Vandeweghe in Phnom Penh on November 3 to discuss media coordination and support for the media. More than 1,200 national and international journalists from nearly 40 countries are expected to cover the summit and side events.

The 20th Francophonie Summit will take place in Phnom Penh on Sunday and Monday, under the theme “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability”, following the 48th session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie on Saturday.