(VOVworld) – Joining about 220 million French speakers around the world, Vietnam has held various activities to honor the language and affirmed their solidarity and efforts to maintain its vitality and diversity.

Officials and recipients of awards for their contributions to the development of French language in Vietnam (Photo: VOV)

An official ceremony took place in Hanoi on Wednesday to mark International Francophonie Day. Earlier, a workshop on Vietnam’s French-speaking job market was organized in Hanoi. At the function, Anissa Barrak, Director of the Asia-Pacific Office of the International Organization of Francophonie, spoke highly of Vietnam’s initiative in holding such a workshop. She said this was a practical contribution to strengthening French language within the community. Nguyen Ngoc Son, Assistant to the Vietnamese Foreign Minister, said Vietnam would continue to integrate and take more responsibilities in the international community. Son underlined ‘employment for young people including young French speakers, is a challenge not only for Vietnam but also for youth around the globe. Young graduates from French-speaking specialized universities in Vietnam are competent and their qualifications have been acknowledged. The workshop discussed challenges Vietnam has faced in dealing with jobs for young people and outlining solutions in the future."

As part of activities to celebrate the International Francophonie Day in Vietnam which continues until early April, a French film festival, a cultural festival at Hanoi University, a concert, and fashion show will take place.