Francophonie Village to Bring Culture, Gastronomy and Solidarity to the Heart of Phnom Penh

AKP Phnom Penh, November 1, 2026 -- As Cambodia prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit for the first time in its history, Phnom Penh capital is getting ready to welcome the Francophone world through a vibrant celebration of culture, gastronomy, tourism, business and international solidarity. At the heart of these preparations is the Francophonie Village, a major public-facing event designed to bring people together through cultural exchange and shared experiences.

Scheduled for Nov. 13-17, 2026, at Wat Botum Watey Garden, the five-day event will transform the city centre into a lively meeting place for nearly 90 nations and governments associated with the Francophone community. Under the theme “The Khmer Smile will be the Smile of Francophonie,” the village aims to showcase cultural diversity, strengthen solidarity among French-speaking nations, and foster closer connections between citizens while promoting tourism, economic cooperation and cultural understanding.

Speaking in a recent interview, H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women's Affairs and Chairwoman of the Fifth Sub-Commission in charge of Side Events under the National Commission for Organising the 20th Francophonie Summit 2026, said the village was conceived as a space where the cultural richness of the Francophone world could be shared with the Cambodian public.

“The Francophonie Village was organised to showcase cultural diversity and strengthen solidarity among French-speaking nations, as well as to foster connections between citizens and promote tourism, the economy, and culture. Furthermore, it adopts the ‘smile of the Khmer people’ as the identity and symbol of the summit,” she said.

The Minister explained that the five-day event would turn the heart of Cambodia into a living showcase of culture, dialogue and solidarity across the Francophone world. It would also offer local visitors an opportunity to discover the traditions, cultural identities and achievements of neighbouring countries, ASEAN members and other members of the wider Francophonie network, encouraging cross-cultural learning and mutual understanding.

Through cultural performances, cuisine, artistic expression and dialogue, the village is expected to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect and appreciate one another's traditions. H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi stressed that cultural exchange could deepen relationships, build mutual respect and reinforce international solidarity in support of peace, democracy and human rights.

Against a backdrop of rising global tensions and uncertainty, she highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections in promoting harmony and peaceful coexistence. Food and cultural diplomacy, she noted, could serve as effective bridges between the member countries and governments of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), helping people discover common ground despite their differences.

The choice of the Khmer smile as the village's defining identity also reflects Cambodia's intention to welcome international guests with warmth and hospitality. More than a cultural exhibition, the event is intended to express the Kingdom's spirit of openness and its commitment to bringing the Francophone community closer together.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Francophonie Village will comprise five main components: national pavilions representing OIF member states, daily cultural and artistic performances, conferences and seminars, a general exhibition area, and a Francophone Gastronomy Village. Admission will be free, allowing Cambodian residents and international visitors to participate in the celebrations and experience the diversity of Francophone cultures.

Preparations are progressing as the opening approaches. H.E. Dr. Chuk Chumnor, Director General of Tourism Development and International Cooperation and Manager of the Francophonie Village, said Cambodia was finalising arrangements for the event at Wat Botum Watey Park. He confirmed that venue infrastructure, security measures and event logistics were advancing, with working groups across the relevant departments actively completing preparations ahead of the opening.

The organisers aim to ensure a welcoming and well-coordinated experience for international delegations, diplomatic representatives and the general public. Dedicated pavilions will represent OIF member states, while interactive exhibition booths will highlight regional trade, investment opportunities, traditional handicrafts and heritage products. Visitors will also be able to sample authentic Khmer dishes and Francophone cuisine, alongside enjoying daily multicultural artistic performances on the central stage.

By bringing together culture, tourism, business and gastronomy, the village is expected to offer more than entertainment. It will provide a platform for countries and communities to present their identities, share their achievements and explore opportunities for closer cooperation. The combination of national pavilions, exhibitions, seminars and performances will allow visitors to engage with the Francophone world through both cultural experiences and practical exchanges.

The Francophonie Village will form part of a broader programme of events surrounding the 20th Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia will host in Phnom Penh from Nov. 14 to 16 under the theme “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Stability.” The summit represents a historic occasion for the Kingdom, bringing together leaders and representatives of the Francophone community to discuss shared priorities and strengthen cooperation.

Another major side event, FrancoTech, will focus on business, technology, research and innovation under the theme “One Francophone Community, One Digital Future.” Scheduled for Nov. 14-16 at Halls A–F of the Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre, FrancoTech will provide a platform to showcase developments and opportunities in digital technology and innovation across the Francophone community.

Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi has encouraged the Cambodian public to join the festivities, emphasising that the Kingdom is not simply serving as the host of the summit but is actively contributing to a broader movement that brings the Francophone world together. Through the warmth symbolised by the Khmer smile, Cambodia hopes to make cultural diversity a source of connection, mutual respect and solidarity.