The International Day of Francophonie is celebrated on five continents on March 20 each year. This day is dedicated to the celebration of the French language which unites 170 million speakers in the 55 states and governments of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). The event began in 1998 as a way for the 49 members of La Francophonie to celebrate their common bond, the French language, as well as their diversity. We are offering you this occasion to celebrate with us that day in all four corners of the earth.

The International Organization of French Speakers (OIF) is a unique organization for all French speakers. It leads a political action in favor of peace, democracy, and human rights One of its main goals is to promote and protect cultural diversity, and was recently adopted by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization)

This dedication to the cultural diversity is the result of a long struggle by Leopold Sedar Senghor. The 20th of March is his birthday where he would have turned 100 years old. All his life he spread the belief that "Culture is the beginning and the end of a human being’ development". On this day hundreds of events will be celebrated around the world in his honor.

On the 16th of March 2006, a celebration will be held in Paris with the French President Jacques Chirac at the Salon du Livre.

In New York they are celebrating a whole week of French speaking: Among the discussed topics are: the origins of French in the English language and when America speaks French www.francophonieny.org