On April 26th, 2025, the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (ULIS – VNU) successfully hosted a scientific conference titled “French as a Foreign Language in Asia-Pacific: The Role of the Francophone Community in a Multilingual and Multicultural World.” The event gathered a large number of scholars, administrators, lecturers, teachers, and students.

Representing ULIS – VNU were Vice President Lam Quang Dong, leaders of various departments, the Board of the Faculty of French Language and Culture, along with many interested lecturers and students. Guests included representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training, diplomatic agencies, French language institutions, speakers, and program sponsors.

In his opening speech, Vice President Lam Quang Dong warmly welcomed and thanked all the guests and participants. He highlighted the importance of the French language in today’s globalized world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where English is dominant. He affirmed that promoting French contributes not only to global linguistic diversity but also enriches the cultural identity of the region. The conference, he noted, was an opportunity for meaningful exchange to further this mission.

Former Vietnamese Ambassador to France, Mr. Nguyen Thiep, also expressed his gratitude to the organizers for hosting such a timely and necessary event. He emphasized that the greatest challenge to promoting French lies in mastering modern teaching techniques and achieving true language proficiency in today’s highly competitive multilingual environment.

Following that, Associate Professor Dr. Ngo Minh Thuy, Director of the CLEF Institute, noted that although French continues to be widely taught, the number of learners is decreasing due to the strong rise of English. However, Vietnam remains committed to a policy of linguistic diversity, and since 2020, French has been designated as one of the seven priority foreign languages at the national level. Dr. Thuy also stressed the role of French in a multipolar, multicultural world, highlighting its special value in international diplomacy and cultural exchange. She affirmed that the conference provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the current situation and future prospects of French language teaching in Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region.

The conference featured seven main presentations, which explored the role of the French language in the context of globalization and cultural diversity, while analyzing the opportunities and challenges in maintaining and developing French in the Asia-Pacific, especially in Vietnam.

The event served as a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the role of French and to promote solutions for preserving and developing the language as part of cultural heritage and as a tool for global connection.

The program concluded with a tea reception and souvenir photo session, held in a friendly and open atmosphere, full of hope for new advances in the promotion of French in Vietnam and the wider region. Following the conference, the “Chantons en Français” music competition also took place.

Hải Anh