International Francophonie Day. Francophonie (organization) Francophonie and some problems of world politics

Annotation.

The article is devoted to the activities of the International Organization of Francophonie, the history of its creation, institutional structure, and regulations developed within its framework. The OIF is a specialized international regional organization whose activities are aimed at developing the sociocultural aspects of the foreign policy of French-speaking states. In addition to the history of the creation, functioning and institutional foundations of the organization’s activities, the article also examines its socio-political influence and contribution to the development of the use of the French language in the world, as well as the development of relations between French-speaking countries. The member states of the OIF do not belong to one specific region of the world, but are scattered almost throughout the globe. This enables the organization to develop and maintain its socio-linguistic space on almost all continents of the world. It seems that fulfilling the main mission of Francophonie is not only to preserve and strengthen the status of the French language, but also to realize the geopolitical interests of France through the promotion of linguistic culture and the creation of a French-speaking sociocultural space.

10.7256/2454-0633.2017.3.23176

Date sent to the editor:

31-05-2017

Keywords:

Secondary law, regional integration, cooperation, universal international organization, Francophonie, national law, regional law, international law, international obligations, international treaties

History of creation

The new intergovernmental organization, based on the use of a common language, French, was to be responsible for the promotion and dissemination of the common culture of its members and for increasing the level of cultural and technical cooperation between them. The Niamey Convention enshrined the following political responsibilities as the goals of the ATC: “strengthening the ties and solidarity of member states, as well as uniting the citizens of these states in a constant dialogue of civilizations.”

Changing the working name of the organization in 1999 to - Intergovernmental Agency of Francophonie should have reflected its intergovernmental specialized status. Later - on November 23, 2005 in Antananarivo, the Conference of Ministers of Francophonie countries adopted a new Charter of the Organization of Francophonie, which gave the Francophonie agency the name International Organization of Francophonie(MOF - Article 9 of the Charter).

The OIF currently includes 54 member states in Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

The organization has four permanent missions: in Addis Ababa under the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, in Brussels under the European Union, and at the United Nations in New York and Geneva. The OIF has 3 regional offices: in Lomé (Togo) to organize activities in the West African region, in Libreville (Gabon) to organize work in the regions of Central Africa and the Indian Ocean, in Hanoi (Vietnam) to organize activities in the Asia-Pacific region. There are also other, smaller regional branches: in Bucharest (Romania) for organizing activities in Central and Eastern Europe and in Port-au-Prince (Haiti) for the organization’s activities in the Caribbean.

At the headquarters of the OIF in Paris, as well as in the organization’s local branches, he works on on an ongoing basis more than 300 employees.

Currently, the Organization mainly relies on non-governmental organizations in its activities. Thus, within the framework of the conference of French-speaking international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) organized by the Secretary General of the OIF in 2012, 67 INGOs and other civil society organizations accredited by the bodies state power French-speaking countries.

The OIF has entered into cooperation agreements with many international and regional organizations (United Nations, European Union, African Union, etc.).

Purposes of creating an organization

Mission of the International Organization of Francophonie ( Organization internationale F rancophonie) consists of strengthening ties between the states and governments that are its members and observers or associate members. The basis for creating and strengthening such ties is the common French language and universal human values ​​for these states. The OIF is a specialized international regional organization whose activities are aimed at developing the sociocultural aspects of the foreign policy of French-speaking states.

In accordance with the organization’s Charter, these goals are specified as follows:

Creating and developing democracy, preventing conflicts, managing and resolving conflicts, and supporting the rule of law and human rights;

Intensifying dialogue between cultures and civilizations;

Bringing people to mutual understanding;

Strengthening their solidarity through multilateral cooperation to promote the growth of their economies;

Promoting education and training."

Basic regulations of the organization

During the period of operation of the OIF, a fairly large number of acts were adopted, but among the fundamental documents of the organization the following should be mentioned:

· Statutes of the Organization of the Francophonie, adopted at the Conference of Ministers of the Francophonie in Antananarivo on November 23, 2005;

Institutional framework

In accordance with Art. 2 of the Charter, the institutions of the OIF are:

Conference of Heads of State and Government of French-Speaking Countries (“Summit”);

· Conference of Ministers of the French-speaking Countries (“Ministerial Conference”);

· Permanent Council of Francophonie (“Permanent Council”);

Secretary General of Francophonie;

Parliamentary Assembly of Francophonie ("APF"), which is an advisory body

The specialized agencies of the organization recognized by the Summit are:

· University Agency of Francophonie (“AUF”);

· TV5 - international French television;

· Senghor University of Alexandria;

· International Association of Mayors of Capitals and Other Cities of Wholly or Partly Francophone Member States (“AIMF”);

· permanent Conferences of Ministers of Education (Cofémen" of youth and sports (Conféjes);

Secretary General MOF

The Secretary General of the OIF manages the activities of the Cooperation Council and is represented in all levels of the organization. Art. 6 of the organization’s Charter clearly states that the Secretary General “leads the International Organization of La Francophonie.”

In accordance with paragraph 2 of Art. 5 of the organization's Charter, the Secretary General is elected for a four-year term by the heads of state and government with the right to extend the mandate.

He heads the Permanent Council, which prepares the agenda and monitors the implementation of the measures prescribed by it. As the official representative of the OIF, the Secretary General represents the organization and signs international agreements, appoints administrative staff and is the manager of the organization's expenses, and is responsible for organizing and monitoring sectoral ministerial conferences at the highest level. Without the right to vote, the Secretary General may attend the Ministerial Conference.

The Secretary General has no right to receive instructions or remuneration from any government or from any other sources. He is responsible for all units of the French-speaking secretariat in which he participates, and also reports on the execution of his mandate at summit meetings. In addition, he may delegate some of his powers to other bodies.

Summit(Article 3 of the Charter) consists of the heads of state and government of the member countries of the organization. It meets every two years and is chaired by the head of state or government of the host country, who provides chairmanship for a period of two years (i.e. until the next summit). The summit makes decisions on the admission of new full members, associate members and observers of the OIF. It determines the direction of development of cooperation between French-speaking countries in order to ensure their common political influence on the adoption of major decisions by the world community. The summit adopts any resolution that it considers necessary for the proper functioning of cooperation between French-speaking countries.

Ministerial Conference(Article 4 of the Charter). Each member state is represented either by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Minister responsible for cooperation with French-speaking countries, or by other authorized representatives of these states. The Ministerial Conference is chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or the Minister responsible for cooperation with French-speaking countries of the host country.

The Ministerial Conference makes decisions on major multilateral projects of member states and prepares the Summit. She monitors the implementation of decisions made at the highest level and takes all necessary initiatives for this. She develops the budget and financial reports of the OIF and manages the distribution of funds from the multilateral fund. The Ministerial Conference recommends the admission of new members and new associate members or observers, and determines the nature of their rights and obligations.

Permanent Council of the Organi tion (Article 5 of the Charter) is the body responsible for preparing decisions and monitoring their implementation at the highest level, under the leadership of the Conference of Ministers. The Permanent Council consists of high-ranking representatives of member states. The Permanent Council is chaired by the OIF Secretary General. The Permanent Council of the OIF was created to solve the following tasks:

Ensuring the implementation of decisions taken at the Ministerial Conference;

Consideration of proposals for the distribution of funds from the Multilateral Fund and implementation of decisions on the distribution of these funds;

Study of financial statements of the MoF;

Consideration and approval of the preliminary agenda for the meeting of the Ministerial Conference;

Notifying the Ministerial Conference about the status of processing applications for membership in the organization or changes in status (member, observer, etc.);

Acting as a mediator, coordinator and arbitrator between member states. For these purposes, a Political Committee, a Committee on Economic Cooperation and Programming, and an administrative and financial committee have been created within its framework. These committees are chaired by a representative of one of the states;

Adoption of personnel and financial instructions;

Review and approval of programs and projects;

Conducting program implementation assessments;

Appointment of a financial controller;

Carrying out any other tasks assigned to the Ministerial Conference.

Parliamentary Assembly consists of representatives of the parliaments of member states and observers, as well as associate members of the organization. The organization is a purely advisory body and does not have its own right to initiate the adoption of normative acts. The main activities of the organization are the development of democracy, as well as the development of human rights in French-speaking countries. To achieve these goals, the Parliamentary Assembly participates in:

Development of texts aimed at improving democratic institutions in member states of the organization and their presentation to other bodies of the organization for the purpose of approval or adoption;

Organization of observation missions (in particular to monitor elections) in member states of the organization;

Organizes inter-parliamentary cooperation for the purpose of exchanging information between parliaments, etc.

Main activities

Activities of the organization in the field of education

Development of the French language and linguistic diversity

Stimulating the use of the French language and expanding its teaching throughout the world is one of the goals of creating the organization, which, for its part, organizes a number of activities on an ongoing basis to realize this goal.

Improving the effectiveness of education systems to reach as many people as possible is a core Millennium Development Goal and an international commitment of francophone countries. To achieve this goal, the IEF relies on advanced training of teachers and other participants in the educational process, and also recognizes the need to modernize teaching aids. The Organization's work in this area is carried out in close cooperation with Conference of Ministers of Education of Countries Using French (Conférence des ministres de l’Education des pays ayant le français en partage).

In order to improve the qualifications of teachers, the MOF provides everyone with the opportunity to participate in advanced training courses. These courses are conducted in a number of French-speaking countries, and the OIF provides targeted funds and auxiliary materials for their implementation.

In order to improve the competence of teaching staff, a training program was launched in 2007 in four French-speaking countries of the South (Benin, Burundi, Haiti and Madagascar). Teacher Distance Education Program (l’Initiative francophone pour la formation à distance des maîtres). The program should also be implemented in Lebanon, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Improvement of the qualifications of French language teachers in the language environment in which they work is ensured by the MoEF not only through training of teaching staff, but also provision of teaching aids. To each country or region, the OIF sends instructors and books for training, which are adapted in the bilingual environment of a particular state (for this they use teaching aids in various languages: Creole, Arabic, etc.). OIF also provides audiovisual programs for teaching French on the international French radio (RFI) and on the international French television TV5Monde. A specialized website on the OIF portal has all the software resources for learning French in a multilingual context. Two OIF projects in this area have particularly attracted attention: Schools and Languages ​​in Africa (ELAN) and VALOFRASE.

Program "School and National Languages ​​in Africa (ELAN)" is a new initiative that is being implemented on the basis partnerships between the OIF, the Agence Universitaire Francophonie (AUF), the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MAEE), with the participation of the ministries of education of Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC ) and Senegal. The program is aimed at developing high-quality primary education, on the encouragement and gradual introduction of bilingual education in various states, on the development of methods for the coexistence of African and French languages ​​in primary schools, etc. This project was based on research conducted between 2007 and 2010. in six countries, implemented jointly by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AFD, OIF and AUF within the framework of the LASCOLAF program, which showed the effectiveness of bilingual education in a combination of African languages ​​and French.

Another OIF project aimed at developing the use of French in education is called "VALOFRASE" programs. It aims to train French teachers in forty countries where French is not the only or main language in the education system, as well as to improve the quality of French language teaching. This program adapts training and teaching aids to different French-speaking regions.

To train French language teachers in the Asia-Pacific and Central and Eastern Europe regions, two regional centers. Seminars and trainings are also organized in other regions (for example, in Arab countries).

Between 2010 and 2013 Some 27,000 teachers and experts of the French language were instructed, mainly at the local level, with the participation of the International Federation of Teachers of French and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. Within the framework of various OIF programs, activities are carried out to support the linguistic diversity of the organization's member states, with the aim of promoting exchange between languages ​​that coexist with French in the francophone area. Multilingualism is supported by the Organization in cultural and educational programs, as well as through cooperation with other regional and international linguistic organizations.

Finally, on this issue, it is worth noting that the OIF promotes adaptation of vocational education to the most modern requirements of the employment market. The OIF provides advice to policymakers, civil servants and vocational training institutions on the implementation of vocational education policies. The OIF provides them with support and methodological manuals, participates in the planning and development of standards for such training, evaluation of vocational education systems and specialists developing training programs. Four manuals on the design of vocational training systems published by the OIF in 2009 have become recommendations for most OIF member countries. Translated into nine languages, these manuals offer specific answers to vocational education providers to better match training to the needs of employers.

The organization organizes exchange with other language spaces world: Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, which is especially fruitful for the development of multilingualism in international organizations. Thus, there are agreements with the Secretariat of the British Commonwealth, the Organization of Ibero-American States and the Arab Organization for Educational, Scientific and Cultural Affairs.

In 2008, the OIF, together with the Arab Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), established the Ibn Khaldun-Senghor Prize for Translation from French to Arabic and from Arabic to French, the main goal of which is to encourage cultural exchanges between the Arab and French-speaking worlds. It is awarded every year, alternating between translations of a work from French into Arabic and from Arabic into French. The winner in this category receives a cash prize of $10,000 (about 7,000 euros). The Kadima Prize, established in 1989, has similar goals, aimed at stimulating the development of links between African, Creole and French languages.

Finally, the Organization's language policy is developed through linguistic pacts. "Linguistic Pact" is a contractual agreement between the OIF and its members or partners, for whom French is not an official language, but at the request of individual states willing to use it as an official or semi-official language, can be introduced as such. The OIF and its partners propose measures for such countries, as well as accompanying commitments, to introduce French as an official language in such countries. However, in practice, such agreements are concluded not only with countries wishing to introduce French as an official language.

French as a language of communication and negotiations

To maintain French as a language of communication and negotiations in international forums, the efforts of the OIF are focused on working with national government authorities, international and regional organizations. The OIF is taking measures to maintain and strengthen the French language as the official and working language of international organizations and multilateral cooperation. In order to preserve French official status, appropriate agreements are concluded with these institutions.

Created Francophone Ambassador Groups at the United Nations and other international organizations, as well as a network of French-speaking officials mobilized to control the use of the French language in these organizations. To this end, the OIF regularly accepts reports and recommendations.

Several French-speaking non-governmental associations, together with the OIF, formed Strategy for the protection and promotion of the French language. The goals of cooperation between these organizations and the OIF are defined in the Charter, signed on October 11, 2011 in Paris, which states that they undertake:

To promote the French language in the fields of science and technology, law, economics, finance, etc.;

Develop an agreed block of proposals for the use of the French language in the professional sphere on an ongoing basis;

Lobby for the use of French in international associations and organizations;

Informally reinforce OIF policies and promote certain species her activities.

In order to develop and disseminate the French language and French-speaking culture, the organization is also taking measures to develop access to French-language digital content, including facilitating access to documents, archives, scientific information and cultural heritage, increasing the presence of resources in French on the Internet, and digitizing data in French, including scanning and digitization of scientific resources and creative works, and a French-language information fund has been created.

Digitization assistance was provided to libraries, archives and other educational and cultural organizations. In addition, the Organization facilitated the pooling of funds from different actors on a national and regional scale, which required the OIF to organize trainings and exchange information between them in order to promote multilateral initiatives between countries and French-speaking institutions.

OIF supports French-language digital network (RFN), consisting of national libraries of various states that are already engaged in digitization programs. This network consists of sixteen main French-language document management institutes. The exchange of French-language audiovisual products, as well as artistic and documentary works, is organized between these institutions.

To support the production of joint innovative projects of digital content in French, the Francophone Information Foundation. Since its inception, the foundation has contributed to the creation of more than 214 French-language websites, with contributions from organizations in 60 countries. Dedicated to the acquisition of information and communications technologies for French-speaking countries, the fund works with various projects and subsidizes multilateral initiatives to produce French-language websites.

With the support of the IOF, the "Houses of Knowledge", which provide training and access to digital resources. They were first created in 2009 on an experimental basis with the participation of the International Organization of La Francophonie together with the International Association of Francophonie Mayors, as well as with the cooperation of the University Agency of Francophonie and TV5. State and municipal authorities of the organization’s member states also took part in the project. Houses of knowledge are equipped with computer workstations and video equipment, DVDs and books and offer cultural and educational events, including for teachers, schoolchildren and students.

The OIF also makes efforts to protect the French language within organizations that manage computer networks and facilities mass media thanks to numerous initiatives.

A representative office of the International Federation of Federations was organized in specialized organizations and institutes. In order to promote its goals, the OIF lobbies its interests in the advisory and decision-making bodies of Internet organizations (for example, the International Corporation ICANN, which manages the distribution of Internet address space). Support for national and regional representation in these specialized organizations is carried out by the OIF in partnership with regional organizations, associations and professional digital networks.

Within the framework of the OIF, the positions of French-speaking countries are coordinated on issues of the information space and the protection of the French language in it. Thus, on the eve of major international events on the development of the Internet, meetings of representatives of French-speaking countries are organized in order to agree on common positions on these issues, which will then be discussed at international forums.

At the national and regional levels, the OIF contributes to strengthening the technical capacity of specialists in French-speaking countries; registers the country's Internet top-level domains, promotes the development of the French-speaking Internet in order to promote the development of services such as online education, telemedicine, e-government (e-government, e-democracy, e-voting, e-petition, etc.) and e-commerce (e-commerce, electronic payment, online banking, etc.).

Fighting cybercrime

In order to develop the digital economy, the OIF in collaboration with Frankopol- French-speaking police network - organizes capacity-building sessions law enforcement agencies in training methods to combat cybercrime.

The OIF is taking active measures aimed at the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, thereby strengthening the capacity of French-speaking countries through the organization of consultations, training and the provision of specialists at their disposal to develop national strategies in this area.

The Olympic Games as a platform for the promotion of the French language

The Olympic Games are the ideal platform to confirm the status of the French language as an official language of the Olympic movement, on a par with English. The prominent use of French in signage, announcements and official documentation of the Olympic Games does not appear spontaneously. Only the initiatives of the OIF and the coordination of French-speaking countries, carried out before, during and after each game, make it possible to ensure the promotion of the French language on the world stage.

Since the 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens, the OIF Secretary General has elected an "outstanding personality" in the world of sports as the "Ambassador of Francophonie" for Olympic Games whose main mission is to monitor the use of the French language during the Games and provide a detailed report on its use to the Secretary General.

Development of the cultural space of French-speaking countries

The organization participates in the development of culture in French-speaking African countries and helps to professionalize and improve the professional level of cultural workers in these countries. Thus, the OIF provides expertise and training to French-speaking countries in the southern hemisphere in order to develop their public policy in the field of culture. Such activities are addressed to politicians, representatives of professional organizations in the field of culture, producers and promoters, as well as legal specialists. This contributes to the development of national structures in the field of supporting culture, improving legislation on the protection of copyright and intellectual property, improving the status of creative workers, etc.

In other words, we can say that the activities of the OIF are aimed at creating conditions for the emergence of an organized, competitive market in the field of cultural property, which is designed to ensure profitability and employment in this area.

To achieve these goals, the OIF analyzes the cultural potential of French-speaking countries in various regions of Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, in order to establish a list of cultural enterprises, markets for cultural products and identify the needs and priorities of subjects of these markets. Consultations and special training sessions are offered to professional associations, entrepreneurs and promoters to increase their efficiency and acquire new skills, both in the artistic aspect and in terms of project management.

The main obstacle to the development of cultural industries in developing countries is access to finance. In this regard, to resolve this problem, the MOF established three funds, which since 2003 have guaranteed the security of loans issued by banks to entrepreneurs working in the cultural sector in the amount of 70 to 80% of the total loan amount. These funds are managed in partnership with local banks and financial institutions:

· the 15-country fund of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is financed jointly with the ECOWAS Development and Investment Bank;

· the Moroccan fund is jointly financed by the Central Guarantee Fund of Morocco;

· The Tunisian fund is financed jointly with the Tunisian insurance company Tunis-Re.

Reading and cultural centers

Public access to books, magazines and digital resources is another aspect of the OIF's cultural diversity policy. For over twenty years, the Organization has been organizing Reading and Cultural Activities Centers in rural and semi-urban areas for the disadvantaged sections of the population of its member states (CLAC).

Reading and Cultural Activity Centers (CLACs) are both public libraries and venues for social and cultural events.

Each center is assigned a permanent manager and coordinator, who ensure the smooth operation of the center and handle visitor statistics. Each OIF reading and cultural center aims to meet the needs of 5 to 25,000 people.

Over the past 20 years, reading centers and cultural activities have become quite popular, their activities cover 21 French-speaking countries in Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Their libraries attract more than 3 million visitors a year and, on average, have more than 200,000 new subscribers each year and stock more than 1.3 million books.

Supporting literary talent writing in French

As part of its policy to promote cultural diversity, the OIF supports literary talents writing in French. To this end, authors are invited by the organization to participate in fairs and literary events. Thus, the OIF aims to introduce the world community to French-speaking writers outside their country or region. Support for the organization of book fairs and other literary events around the world is expressed, in particular, by helping French-speaking authors and writers to participate in them. These events, in addition to their cultural significance, also allow for greater exposure of French-language works to the market.

Literary awards of the IOF bring recognition to the most talented writers and highlight their work. In total, the Organization has established five awards, the main of which are:

· Prize of the Five Continents of Francophonie, which was established in 2001. The jury consists of renowned French-speaking writers who work with the International Organization of La Francophonie. The jury, which consists of publishers, booksellers, writers and readers from all over the French-speaking world, selects from among ten finalists. Hundreds of novels are submitted each year to the organization's four committees, which agree on the final selection. The OIF also participates in a campaign to internationally assist the laureate in promoting his work;

· Young Francophone Writer Award, which was initiated by the Association of Young Writers Writing in French. It is awarded annually to works by authors aged 15 to 27 years.

Facilitating access to world markets for the cultural production of French-speaking writers

The OIF's priority is to introduce French-speaking writers to international cultural producers in order to facilitate their access to global cultural markets. The OIF is also partnering with a regular number of cultural events and festivals that take place in French-speaking countries, which is expressed in helping organizers and supporting artists.

Artistic Mobility Foundation under the OIF allowed to promote on the international stage the careers of many singers, musicians, dance and theater groups in French-speaking countries of the southern hemisphere. By covering the costs of moving artists and their equipment to be able to organize concerts at festivals and cultural events around the world, the foundation allows French-speaking talent to present their art in different parts of the world.

The organization's multi-faceted assistance mechanism, which includes grants for authors and screenwriters and even promotion and marketing of films, promotes the creation and distribution of French-language works.

Writers and authors can receive OIF grants not only to distribute finished works of art, but also to develop concepts and develop projects for their creation. So, for example, there is OIF program to support writing scripts for feature films. Provided capacity building training for media workers and actors. These initiatives are aimed at improving the economic efficiency of film and television production in French-speaking countries in the southern hemisphere.

Southern Hemisphere Audiovisual Foundation, created in 1988, is the main source of financing for creative projects in the field of film and television in these countries. He has contributed to 1,400 film and television productions, representing more than 1,600 hours of original programming. Grants from this Fund cover production costs (dubbing, labeling, production, post-production, dubbing, subtitling) and distribution of feature films and documentaries. Entries submitted by production companies, private or public, are selected by a committee of television and film professionals.

With the support of the OIF, the website “Pictures of French-speaking countries” was created ( Images francophones), which is both a tool for professionals and an information space open to the general public for French-language audiovisual works from the countries of the southern hemisphere. He suggests:

· a complete catalog of works that have been supported by the French-language Audiovisual Foundation of the Southern Hemisphere since its creation in 1988 (1,200 films and television programs);

· a professional platform that allows manufacturers to submit their applications for assistance from the Fund and access to business directories, forums and spaces for presenting their projects;

· information on film and audiovisual news from French-speaking countries in the southern hemisphere.

Promotion of audiovisual works

Promotion of audiovisual works in festivals, film and television markets is another form of the organization's cultural diversity policy. The OIF is a partner of several festivals that are platforms for the promotion of film and television production from French-speaking countries of the southern hemisphere (for example, the Pan-African Film and Television Festival in Ouagadougou (FESPACO), the Carthage Film Festival, Views of Africa in Montreal, Black Screens in Cameroon, the Namur Francophone Film Festival etc.). Every year, dozens of films from French-speaking countries in the southern hemisphere are presented at the Cannes Film Festival, which is also a merit of the OIF.

Strengthening the rule of law and maintaining peace in francophone countries

One aspect of the OIF policy is to intensify the interest of member states (primarily African ones) in constitutional issues, principles of democracy and respect for the rule of law, which is aimed at strengthening independence and transparency government agencies these countries. The organization supports French-speaking countries in carrying out major reforms to modernize their constitutional and legal texts. As part of assistance missions legal assistance and provide advice and appropriate methods in the work of the OIF can send experts. They work with governments and national institutions such as constitutional courts to bring their texts into line with international norms and standards.

Internships organized under the leadership of the OIF allow for the exchange of practices in reforming government institutions and legal texts. They are often conducted in partnership with an institutional network training centers French-speaking countries specializing in institutional and public legal engineering. Less frequently, seminars and regional thematic consultations are organized to exchange experiences and best practices between staff of these institutions. In cases where such activities are organized in cooperation with the parliaments of member states, they are carried out by the OIF through the OIF Parliamentary Assembly.

In addition, the Organization strives to play a role in strengthening the judicial system of French-speaking countries. The OIF promotes the implementation of plans and national programs to reform the judicial system of French-speaking African countries, with the aim of developing the principles of the rule of law, economic and social well-being in these countries. Thus, the OIF promotes the exchange of experience between countries in implementing such reforms by organizing thematic seminars and regional consultations. Support for the modernization of the judicial apparatus is also manifested in the provision of equipment and information support, as well as human resources.

Representatives of the judicial system (judges, bailiffs, notaries, etc.) of a given state can receive initial training and advanced training courses thanks to various initiatives of the OIF to support such pedagogical initiatives.

The OIF is also taking actions to facilitate access to legal information and, especially, access to modern French-language sources of law - texts of laws, codes, manuals, manuals, legal scientific journals, which is facilitated, in particular, by funding various databases and digital resources. For example, it was created French-language legal website, which aims to assist national legal information dissemination (RF2D) structures. Thus, a network was created for the exchange of legal information and methods of preparation, acquisition and publication of legal documents.

To ensure guarantees of rights and freedoms, as well as to protect the principles of democracy in French-speaking countries, the OIF is taking a number of other initiatives. In particular, the OIF provides information, relevant documentary resources and educational materials to governmental, parliamentary and non-governmental organizations in various countries. The organization promotes the development of joint actions between government organizations and civil society; provides financial resources, technical support, etc.

Also regarding the protection of human rights and principles in democracy, the OIF ensures that all French-speaking countries ratify the main international instruments relating to human rights and implement them in their national legislation. Educational campaigns are being conducted in this direction, as well as activities aimed at monitoring the implementation of international obligations in the legal order of states. The active and coordinated participation of francophone countries in international and regional organizations facilitates the establishment of partnerships, including with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth or the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues (FIDH).

Finally, the OIF regularly monitors human rights in French-speaking countries through regular dissemination and exchange of information with national and international bodies. A detailed report on observations and assessments of the practices of institutions of democracy, respect for human rights and freedoms in French-speaking countries is carried out every two years.

In 1997 it was created Association of Constitutional Courts Using French, which currently includes more than forty states.

The main activity of this association, like a number of other specialized associations in the field of human rights and the rule of law, is to promote the foundations of the rule of law in French-speaking countries. For these purposes, meetings are held between judges and employees of constitutional courts, as well as constitutional lawyers to exchange experience and improve the status of Constitutional courts in the legal orders of various states.

Education and training programs

In order to strengthen democratic values ​​in politics and society, the OIF develops and implements educational and training programs both within educational institutions and in relation to representatives of the public service. At the national level, the IOF conducts educational trainings, the purpose of which is to consolidate the worldview of government officials, officials, representatives of political parties and representatives of civil society organizations (especially women and youth) the importance of respecting the mechanisms and instruments of democracy. Through the provision of educational programs adapted to the primary and secondary school level and coordinated with national ministries of education, the OIF contributes to the development of a democratic culture in French-speaking societies and the cultivation of respect for the values ​​and principles of human rights and democracy.

It is important to pay attention to the activities of the French-speaking Foundation for Democracy, Human Rights and Peace Initiatives (Fonds francophone d'initiatives pour la démocratie, les droits de l'Homme et la paix). This fund supports the efforts of national non-governmental organizations, trade unions, and the media in the production of methodological textbooks that help popularize the principles of democracy and the rule of law. In this way, it contributes to consolidating the active role of civil society organizations in the field of human rights education, democracy and peace. It operates on the basis of an open competition procedure for specific projects for which the applicant organization has funding covering at least 30% of the project cost. The fund is administered by the OIF and its activities are carried out by the Department of Peace, Human Rights and Democracy.

Ensuring press freedom and media pluralism

In order to comply with guarantees of freedom of speech and independence of the press, the Organization supports other initiatives in this area. Thus, the OIF carries out missions to identify the needs of the press in French-speaking countries, together with the assistance of governments, parliaments, media and media regulators; communicates to these subjects information about laws and principles aimed at ensuring freedom of the press and pluralism of the media. The emphasis is on the decriminalization of media activities and the protection of journalists, as well as the development of a code of ethics and conduct for media representatives in situations of crisis and during election periods. The organization also provides support to journalists' associations.

Since 1998, the Media Support Fund has been operating within the framework of the OIF ( Fonds d'appui aux entreprises de presse), which has financial assistance Media, designed to improve the publishing policies of media companies, improve their management and technical development.

Finally, mention should be made of the French-speaking OIF Press Freedom Awards, which is organized every year in partnership with Radio France International and the non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders, and is awarded to the best report, news program or article on human rights.

Forecasting potential crises and conflicts

To ensure the peace and security of French-speaking countries, as well as in the states bordering them, the efforts of the OIF are also focused on their early warning and rapid response to the possibility of their occurrence in order to prevent them. Constant monitoring of crisis situations in various regions of the world is carried out through the collection, analysis, processing and exchange of information.

High-level representatives of member states appointed by the OIF Secretary General in 2010. , recommendations were formulated to improve preventive measures and adopt more effective early warning systems and rapid response to crisis situations. One of the recommendations is to strengthen the role of francophone countries in preventing such situations, as well as to involve regional and international partners and interested civil society organizations in the work.

Measures to restore constitutional order, peace and security

The OIF is also taking a number of measures to restore constitutional order, peace and security after crises or conflicts. Mediation and facilitation missions are deployed; special envoys are appointed by the Secretary General of the OIF to assist in the formation of conciliation procedures to overcome the crisis and conclude peace between the conflicting parties. The participation of OIF experts and mediators aims to participate in monitoring structures as an observer and/or mediator; in organizing personnel training; political dialogue and consultation processes to strengthen the capacity of transition institutions.

Organization of free, fair and transparent elections

In order to organize free, fair and transparent elections, the OIF participates in all stages of the electoral process. Structures responsible for organizing, managing and monitoring elections can count on technical and material support from the OIF, while OIF observation missions monitor the vote count. The activities of the OIF also concern the provision of legal and electoral expertise; training of employees of institutions and civil society involved in the electoral process; support in the development of election documentation and legislation; promoting the security of transmission and processing of election results. These various activities are carried out by the organization in coordination with the competent courts, election commissions, the media, political parties and representatives of civil society.

The OIF also takes the necessary measures to recognize the election results and resolve disputes that may arise as a result of the election process. For this purpose, training in control procedures (including the handling of such disputes in court) has been organized. Network of Francophone Electoral Councils (Réseau francophone de compétences électorales) created by the OIF in partnership with the government of Quebec, provides advice on various issues in the conduct of electoral processes.

As a rule, OIF observers act in cooperation with other observers of international and regional organizations (for example, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)). Detailed and thorough reports at the end of these missions make it possible to signal to the international community and the concerned state that possible problems and make recommendations for subsequent elections.

International peacekeeping programs

Finally, it should be noted that the Organization is involved in the process of consolidating and maintaining peace in cooperation with other international organizations. The OIF also promotes greater participation of francophone countries in international peace support programs developed by the United Nations in post-conflict or crisis countries of the francophone world. During the 2008 Quebec Summit, heads of state and government of francophone countries pledged to “strengthen the capacity of francophone states to maintain peace and called on these countries to provide the UN and competent regional organizations, to the extent possible, with troops (military , police) to help promote peace during the transition period." Based on these principles, the OIF developed a four-year operational strategy to prepare French-speaking countries to participate in peacekeeping operations and to support their capacity-building in this area.

The organization's activities in the field of ecology and sustainable development, as well as the fight against poverty

The activities of the OIF in this direction are implemented in several directions.

Firstly, the new French-speaking Local Development Support Program (Programme francophone d'appui au développement local) aims to provide rural and peri-urban communities with local development plans. The development priorities defined in these documents will be supported by the French-speaking member countries of the OIF, as well as financed by other entities.

The local development support program was based on the experience gained from the implementation of Special development program (Program special de development) And Programs to support local development (Programme d'appui au development local). Since 2012, this OIF project has been testing a new approach to global support for local development actors to reduce extreme poverty and hunger. The ultimate goal of the program is to improve the development strategies of local communities and their harmonious integration into national sustainable development strategies.

Local development strategies are “a key element in creating a vibrant economic fabric, generating income and employment growth for rural populations who are often the poorest.” As a result, the activities of the IOF are carried out specifically in relation to local communities; special attention is paid to youth and women. The main beneficiaries of this program are local civil society actors ( public organizations, associations, etc.), institutional, national and local entities.

The local development support program is based in each country on an intermediary organization. Selected by the competent authorities from representatives of civil society on a competitive basis, it is called upon to be responsible for coordinating local actions, training its partners, monitoring and distributing funds.

In every local community ( locality) the intermediary organization enlists the support of local authorities or an intermediary represented by representatives of civil society. In this way, training is provided to the population at the local level and funds are distributed for the implementation of local projects.

As a result, we can say that the fight against poverty within the framework of the Local Development Support Program is implemented through two components:

· training and development of representatives of local communities in various areas(such as local development planning, project management and industrial development, etc.);

· support for projects of general interest included in the Local Development Plan or Priority Action Plan.

The principles of sustainable development are being implemented in developing French-speaking countries through already proven policies. Institute of Energy and environment MOF (L'Institut de l'énergie et de l'environnement de la Francophonie) works in particular to strengthen capacity and skills and to disseminate quality information on sustainable development in French. The privileged activity of this institute is the exchange of experience and best practices between French-speaking countries in the implementation of sustainable development strategies.

Based on the results of expert assessment and analysis Institute of Energy and Environment provides advice to French-speaking countries on the implementation and development of sustainable development strategies. The Institute also contributes to the emergence of qualified national personnel in a number of countries; encourages exchange, especially on issues of standardization and social responsibility. In addition, it provides countries information resources on sustainable development in French through its website and also distributes periodicals; publishes guides, monographs, and other publications on sustainable development issues.

Thus, with the direct support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France, the program “French University College of St. Petersburg State University” has been operating for more than 20 years, the participants of which are St. Petersburg state university and 9 prestigious universities France, including Paris I - Panthéon Sorbonne, Paris I - Panthéon Sorbonne, EHESS, l’ENS de Paris, etc. The program offers its listeners a two-year additional education non-specialties: law, history, literature, sociology and philosophy. In this case, students can choose one of two departments: the first department is French-speaking, teaching is conducted in French. The second department is Russian-speaking with simultaneous translation of lectures. Every year, 15 professors from prestigious French universities give lecture courses. In addition, French teachers provide weekly classes and consultations and help in writing a thesis.

The OIF is undoubtedly an authoritative specialized international regional organization whose activities are aimed at developing the sociocultural aspects of the foreign policy of French-speaking states. The member states of the OIF do not belong to one specific region of the world, but are scattered almost throughout the globe, which makes it possible for the organization to develop and maintain its socio-linguistic space on almost all continents of the world. It seems that fulfilling the main mission of Francophonie is not only to preserve and strengthen the status of the French language, but also to realize the geopolitical interests of France through the promotion of linguistic culture and the creation of a French-speaking sociocultural space.

Kurbanov R.A. International Organization of French-Speaking Countries (Francophonie) // International Law and International Organizations. - 2017. - No. 3. - P.1-24. DOI: 10.7256/2454-0633.2017.3.23176..html

About statuses

French, along with English, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese and Russian, has the status of an official UN language. In addition, French (like English) is considered the working language of the UN Secretariat; all documents of the Secretariat must be drawn up in French.

Status state language Among European countries, French is naturally found in France, as well as in Monaco and Belgium (along with Flemish). In these countries, speaking French gives you a decisive advantage - you will be understood everywhere, and you will be able to read all menus, signs and understand all advertisements. In Belgium, even Flemish speakers tend to speak excellent French as well.

It is more difficult with Switzerland. French is one of the four official languages ​​here, but most Swiss people speak German. The French-speaking population makes up about 20% and is concentrated in Romandie, or French Switzerland, an area in the western part of the country, with administrative center in Geneva. Here, a person who speaks French will not have language problems either.

French, along with English, also has the status of a state language in Canada. However, it is recognized as an official language only in the province of Quebec. This part of Canada is considered French speaking. However, firstly, the French language is not widespread in Quebec; a foreigner will still need basic knowledge of English here. And secondly, the language spoken by French-speaking residents of Quebec is quite different from classical French. The so-called French-Quebec dialect contains many borrowings from English and even from some North American Indian languages.

French as an inheritance

Benin, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea, Guiana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo - in these countries that were once colonies or "overseas territories" of France in Africa, South and Central America, French has the status of an official or state language. In Lebanon, Burundi, Djibouti, Cameroon, Haiti, Rwanda, Central African Republic, Chad - the status of a second official language. In the Arab countries of North Africa, the former colonies of France, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, the French language does not have official status, but is quite widespread.

The mere knowledge of the “language of the colonizers” in the absence of knowledge of local languages ​​in most of these countries may simply be useless for a traveler. French here is most often spoken by a small, more educated part of the population. IN best case scenario In French you can communicate with the hotel administrator, as well as with people in the public service - border guards, customs officers, and less often - police officers. The remaining citizens of the countries of the “francophone zone” either do not speak French at all, or can communicate in various local dialects of French, usually very vaguely reminiscent of the language in which Moliere wrote his immortal plays.

However, if the ultimate goal of your trip to one of these countries is not tourism, but employment, knowledge of the French language will seriously increase your chances of finding a well-paid job. Many Europeans work here in medicine, education, tourism, as well as in the offices of various international organizations, and not only people from France, Belgium, Switzerland, but also citizens of other countries who have studied French.

"Francophonie"

In a broad sense, the word "Francophonie" is used to designate those countries and territories where people who speak French live. It was first used in this meaning in 1880 by the famous French geographer Onesimus Reclus. However, today this term is more often used to refer to the international organization of cooperation between the French-speaking countries of the world, which has been operating since 1970. 56 states are represented in La Francophonie; the organization's motto is “Equality, complementarity, solidarity.”

Originally conceived and created as a purely humanitarian organization, La Francophonie eventually became a fairly influential political force. At the same time, the issues of studying and disseminating the French language, as opposed to English, occupy a significant place in the Francophonie programs. At the same time, the organization advocates the development of cultural diversity, promotes the expansion educational processes, including teaching French, in all countries of the world.

History of the organization

The term "Francophonie" was first used in 1880 by the French geographer Onesim Reclus, who decided to base his scientific classification of the planet's inhabitants on the language they spoke. Until the official establishment of francophonie as an international institution, this concept denoted the geographical territories where the French language is spoken, or the collection of people who speak French. In 1968, the word “Francophonie” was included in dictionaries, where it received two main meanings:

1. speak French, “be a Francophone”;

2. a community consisting of peoples who speak French.

Now the term “Francophonie” refers to an international intergovernmental organization.

Statistics representing the number of Francophones vary. This is explained by the fact that there are several levels of Francophonie: firstly, residents of countries where French is the only official language, or coexists with other languages, are taken into account official languages. Next come the residents of those countries who have chosen French as the language of communication in parallel with the language of their country: this is an option in many African countries. The third category is represented by people who use the French language as an instrument of culture - in these countries the language is studied additionally as an elective in the system of secondary and higher education, as, for example, in the Maghreb countries, Egypt, Brazil, Argentina, Poland, Russia, etc.

Areas of cooperation

Francophonie and some problems of world politics

The politicization of the OIF is largely expressed in its active participation (attempts to participate) in the most important matters of world politics. The Summits in Beirut (2002) and Ouagadougou (2004) are especially significant in this regard. The reasons for the political activation of the OIF since the Beirut Summit are both objective and subjective.

Obviously, the first include the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, a sharp increase in the terrorist threat, and the aggravation of the issue regarding Iraq.

The second can be attributed to the general course of the OIF towards strengthening its influence in the world, which has most clearly emerged since the Hanoi Summit (1997). The Beirut Declaration was adopted in the capital of Lebanon, which touched upon the most important issues of world politics. The declaration proclaims the most important principle of the OIF - dialogue of cultures - as the main factor in establishing peace and fighting terrorism, and thus turns into a real political instrument. In particular, the heads of state and government stated: “We are convinced that dialogue between cultures is a necessary condition in the search for peaceful solutions and makes it possible to fight against... intolerance and extremism.” The same thesis is put forward by Jacques Chirac: “Dialogue of cultures is the best antidote to the risk of a clash of civilizations.”

Former French colonies, overseas territories and dominions

French in the world
Dark blue: native language;
Blue: administration language;
Blue: language of culture;
green: French-speaking minorities

History of the organization

The second can be attributed to the general course of the OIF towards strengthening its influence in the world, which has most clearly emerged since the Hanoi Summit (1997). The Beirut Declaration was adopted in the capital of Lebanon, which touched upon the most important issues of world politics. The declaration proclaims the most important principle of the OIF - dialogue of cultures - as the main factor in establishing peace and fighting terrorism, and thus turns into a real political instrument. In particular, the heads of state and government stated: “We are convinced that dialogue between cultures is a necessary condition in the search for peaceful solutions and makes it possible to fight against... intolerance and extremism.” The same thesis is put forward by Jacques Chirac: “Dialogue of cultures is the best antidote to the risk of a clash of civilizations.”

On the issue of the Middle East settlement, the ministers recalled the need for “the immediate resumption of a peaceful settlement on the basis of the principles agreed upon at the Madrid conference and the relevant UN resolutions.” The OIF supported the Arab Peace Initiative, including regarding territories in exchange for peace and regarding Palestinian refugees (the plan of Saudi Arabia's Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, demanding a full settlement of the Palestinian problem and the liberation of territories occupied in 1967). By considering the Arab initiative as "the most acceptable plan to arrive at a correct, stable and global solution in the region", by supporting the Lebanese people in their efforts in the face of various challenges, by making possible Algeria's participation in the affairs of the OIF, Francophonie strengthened ties with the Arab world.

One of the central issues raised by the OIF was the Iraqi problem. The heads of state and government said: “We defend the primacy of international law and... the UN and are reminded of the collective responsibility to resolve the Iraqi crisis, and for Iraq to fully comply with all its obligations.” The OIF recalled that Iraq agreed to the resumption of UN inspection activities. Member states were categorically against the use of force. J. Chirac, in particular, stated that the decision to use force “can only be made in cases of legitimate self-defense or by decision of international competent authorities. It may be about forcing Iraq to respect its obligations, resuming the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, resolving conflicts in Africa, but the same logic should inspire us, because only it will confidently guarantee us against adventurous temptations.” The last phrase obviously refers to the attempts of the United States and Great Britain to pass a decision on forceful intervention in Iraq through the UN Security Council. In this situation, France was at the center of efforts to thwart all the initiatives of Bush and Blair, and it is logical that it managed to pass a decision in the OIF to condemn attempts at forceful intervention. At the same time, the reasons for the actions of Paris, for which the cultural factor in foreign policy is very important, lie not so much in realistic attempts to establish itself as a great power, but in ideological, including linguistic, discrepancies between the United States and France. The confrontation is taking place “against the backdrop of a confrontation between the liberal-optimistic picture of the world... and the concept of necessary multipolarity.”

And in this context, the decisions of the Beirut Declaration do not look like an empty phrase: they reflect the cultural contradictions between the Francophone world and the United States, which personifies globalism and hegemonism. The antagonisms are obvious: cultural diversity as a path to peace versus the “clash of civilizations” and interventionism; support for the Arab world and fear of the Islamic threat. The OIF positions itself as a true defender of democracy, while the United States, according to Boutros-Ghali, has moved away from the great past (Wilson as the father of the League of Nations, Roosevelt is one of the authors of the UN) and has become “the only gendarmes of the planet.” Thus, the contradictions between Francophonie and the United States (the symbol of globalism) were filled with concrete political content at the Beirut Summit. Another important issue discussed in Lebanon was the situation in Côte d'Ivoire. The OIF condemned the attempt to seize power in the country by force, called for refraining from violence and resolving the conflict exclusively by peaceful means. The OIF supported the efforts of CEDEAO (Economic Community of West African States) to establish dialogue between the parties as the only path to reconciliation, as well as the mediation efforts of the OIF Secretary General. The OIF welcomed the formation of the African Union on 9 July 2002 in Durban. Francophonie sees far-reaching prospects in the AU. A. Diouf believes that the current situation requires that Africa become a confederation, that common economic, social, and legal spaces be established here. Otherwise, individual small states will not be able to overcome the crisis and integrate into the global world, and destructive border redivisions will continue. However, "it is useless to hope to impose a confederation from above." This implies the need to develop civil initiatives (the activities of non-governmental organizations, the participation of youth, women, etc.), which is precisely what the OIF is involved in. Consequently, the OIF is trying to participate in determining the fate of Africa in partnership with the AU and CEDEAO, clearly demonstrating a desire to consolidate African states in one way or another (there is no talk of language here at all). The Beirut Declaration also welcomes the AU's adoption of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), as well as the approval of the Africa Action Plan at the G8 Kananaskis Summit in June 2002, and calls for harmonization of all these OIF projects and actions.

The next Summit, which is also important politically, was the Summit in Ouagadougou. It adopted the Ouagadougou Declaration, a significant part of which was devoted to the resolution of regional conflicts. On the issue of the Middle East settlement, it stated that the heads of state and government of the OIF “adopted a resolution calling for the resumption of the peace process and the mobilization of the international community to facilitate elections in the Palestinian territories,” and also supported efforts to create free zones in the Middle East from weapons of mass destruction, according to UN resolutions. Regarding Iraq, commitment to the principle of territorial integrity and the establishment of full sovereignty of the state was confirmed, all parties were called upon to follow UN Security Council Resolution 1546, the OIF welcomed the declaration adopted at the international conference in Sharm el-Sheikh (November 23, 2004) on the future of Iraq. The declaration made a number of judgments regarding the peace processes in Haiti, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea, the Great Lakes region, the Central African Republic, and Darfur province in Sudan. On the situation in these states or regions, there is close cooperation between the OIF and the UN, the AU, the CPLP, CEDEAO, the EU, in addition, it is significant that the focus of the OIF is not so much on the former colonies, but on all the problem regions of Africa, which reflects the growing intensification “African direction” of her political activity.

Thus, the activities of the OIF in recent years have reflected many of the most important processes in world politics, which is favored by both important objective movements in international relations and the desire to strengthen the political role of the OIF itself. At the same time, cultural, linguistic and political factors are closely intertwined and, in general, oppose similar factors in the policies of the West, especially the United States. Such contradictions are deep and lie not so much in the sphere of realism as in ideological-postmodernist discrepancies. Active foreign policy France, in which the cultural factor occupies an important place and which is largely implemented within the framework of the OIF, helps fill these contradictions with real and potentially significant content.

History of the organization

The term "Francophonie" was first used in 1880 by the French geographer Onesim Reclus, who decided to base his scientific classification of the planet's inhabitants on the language they spoke. Until the official establishment of francophonie as an international institution, this concept denoted the geographical territories where the French language is spoken, or the collection of people who speak French. In 1968, the word “Francophonie” was included in dictionaries, where it received two main meanings:

1. speak French, “be a Francophone”;

2. a community consisting of peoples who speak French.

Now the term “Francophonie” refers to an international intergovernmental organization.

Statistics representing the number of Francophones vary. This is explained by the fact that there are several levels of francophonie: firstly, residents of countries where French is the only official language, or coexists with other official languages, are taken into account. Next come the residents of those countries who have chosen French as the language of communication in parallel with the language of their country: this is an option in many African countries. The third category is represented by people who use the French language as an instrument of culture - in these countries the language is studied additionally as an elective in the system of secondary and higher education, as, for example, in the Maghreb countries, Egypt, Brazil, Argentina, Poland, Russia, etc.

Areas of cooperation

Francophonie and some problems of world politics

The politicization of the OIF is largely expressed in its active participation (attempts to participate) in the most important matters of world politics. The Summits in Beirut (2002) and Ouagadougou (2004) are especially significant in this regard. The reasons for the political activation of the OIF since the Beirut Summit are both objective and subjective.

Obviously, the first include the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, a sharp increase in the terrorist threat, and the aggravation of the issue regarding Iraq.

The second can be attributed to the general course of the OIF towards strengthening its influence in the world, which has most clearly emerged since the Hanoi Summit (1997). The Beirut Declaration was adopted in the capital of Lebanon, which touched upon the most important issues of world politics. The declaration proclaims the most important principle of the OIF - dialogue of cultures - as the main factor in establishing peace and fighting terrorism, and thus turns into a real political instrument. In particular, the heads of state and government stated: “We are convinced that dialogue between cultures is a necessary condition in the search for peaceful solutions and makes it possible to fight against... intolerance and extremism.” The same thesis is put forward by Jacques Chirac: “Dialogue of cultures is the best antidote to the risk of a clash of civilizations.”