March 20 is International Francophone day

International French language (Francophone) day is the festival of all people, speaking and studying French language. It is celebrated on March 20 every year since 1970, when the agreement about establishment of the first organization of French-speaking countries had been signed in the capital of Niger - Niamey.

At present time the international Francophone organization unites 56 states and governments. The organization is presented on all five continents and about one third of the countries – UNO members – are found in its staff. Its activity is aimed at popularization of French language and protection of cultural variety.

Cultural-enlightener public organization “Alliance France Ufa” works in Republic of Bashkortostan. It was founded four years ago by Ministry of culture and national politics RB with the assistance of France Embassy in Moscow and the French Alliance in Yekaterinburg. Bashkir organization is headed by director of the French reading hall National Library RB by Achmet-Zaki Validi Indira Khairetdinova. The knight of the French Government’s Palm Branch Order Nina Antonova is the executive director of “Alliance France Ufa”.

The organization is one of the most active propagandists of French language and culture in our region. Every year it holds a wide circle of public actions within the frames of French language day.