On September 29th, 2024, at Vu Dinh Lien hall, ULIS – VNU in collaboration with the Faculty of International Francophone – VNU, Phenikaa University and the Institute for Research and Development of Culture, Language and Education (CLEF) organized the scientific conference “Cultural, linguistic and educational cooperation between Vietnam and Francophone countries: challenges and prospects” and the program “Saturday afternoon music”.

In her  opening speech at the conference, CLEF Director Ngo Minh Thuy emphasized the importance and influence of France and 88 Francophone countries in all aspects of Vietnamese cultural life and mentioned the challenges that France and Francophone countries are facing in recent times.

Also speaking at the forum, Vice President Lam Quang Dong affirmed the “indispensable” role of French in the current period as well as the history of training and teaching French at ULIS. 

Representing the Faculty of International Francophone Studies – VNU, Hanoi, Dr. Phung Danh Thang highly appreciated the role of this scientific conference in the process of popularizing and exchanging culture and education in the relationship between Vietnam and French-speaking countries.

At the workshop, Head of the Faculty of French Language and Culture, ULIS – VNU Dam Minh Thuy shared a speech on “Innovation of scientific research activities through promoting cooperation in the Francophone community – Vision from the Francophone Research Center – ULIS – VNU” with multi-dimensional perspectives on promoting cooperation and strengthening relations between members of the Francophone community.

Then, the head of the French program compilation team/Chief editor of French textbooks for high school students, former Head of the Faculty of French Language and Culture, ULIS – VNU Nguyen Quang Thuan gave a speech on “French in foreign language teaching policy at high school level in Vietnam”. 

In addition, there were other presentations on the topics: 

•  “Cooperation in higher education between Vietnam and Francophone countries – Experience of IFI – international” by Head of the Faculty of International Francophone Studies – ULIS – VNU Phung Danh Thang
•  “Cooperation between Vietnam and Francophone countries in the field of cinema” by Director of the Vietnam Film Institute Le Thi Ha
• “The power of songs: Opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and Francophone countries in the field of music” by Chairman of the Scientific Training Council of the Faculty of International Francophone Studies (IFI) Ngo Tu Lap)

After the conference was the “Saturday Afternoon Music” program with the theme “The Second Life of Songs: French Songs in Vietnamese”. The program took place in 2 parts. Part I was French songs performed by singers of the M6 ​​group. Part II was performances from student representatives and lecturers of ULIS – VNU, and the Faculty of International Francophone – VNU, Hanoi.

Khanh Huyen