Cambodia 2026: A Historic Francophone Summit at the Heart of Angkor

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a historic milestone for the Kingdom of Cambodia, which will host the 20th Francophonie Summit for the first time, in Siem Reap in mid-November, thereby affirming its growing role within the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).

His Majesty Norodom Sihamoni (left), OIF Secretary General H.E. Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo (center), and French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron attended the 19th Francophonie Summit together in October 2024 in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, where Cambodia was officially designated as the host of the 20th summit in 2026

A Major Diplomatic Gathering

This summit, the highest decision-making body within the Francophonie, brings together every two years the heads of state and government of the 93 member states and governments—comprising 56 full members, five associate members, and 32 observers—to discuss cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared values. It will be only the second event of this magnitude in Asia, following the 1997 Hanoi summit, which brought together more than 90 international delegations under the banner of a landmark declaration advocating peace and multilateral development. Siem Reap, at the heart of the Angkor temples, will provide a sumptuous setting where millennia-old heritage meets contemporary aspirations.

Cambodia’s Heritage and Commitment

Cambodia, an observer since the Chaillot Summit in Paris in 1991, became a full member in 1993 at the Grand-Baie meeting in Mauritius, marking its unwavering attachment to the Francophone space. This symbolic choice pays tribute to King Father Norodom Sihanouk, one of the founding fathers of La Francophonie alongside Léopold Sédar Senghor and Hamani Diori, and a visionary advocate of multilateral cooperation. In November 2025, in Kigali, Minister Prak Sokhonn assumed the presidency of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF), succeeding France and paving the way for this major gathering.

Preparations Underway

A National Committee, supported by six subcommittees (Substance, Protocol, Communication, Security, Side Events, and Finance), is coordinating efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mobilizing both public and private sectors to ensure flawless organization. An agreement signed in June 2025 between the OIF and Cambodia officially confirmed the event, while the Franco-Cambodian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is driving tourism and economic initiatives in Siem Reap. Physical security and cybersecurity, diplomatic accommodation, and international protocols are being meticulously planned to welcome delegations with the dignity they deserve.

Cultural and Educational Celebrations

Beyond the diplomatic summits, a year-long national program will energize the country with the Francophone Village—a showcase of traditions, cuisines, and arts from the approximately 348 million Francophones worldwide estimated in 2025—and FrancoTech, dedicated to scientific and digital innovation in the French language. Education stands at the heart of priorities: around 400,000 young Cambodians currently study French through bilingual classes and a future National Learning Center, strengthening academic and professional opportunities. These events, blending Khmer pride with the Francophone spirit, foreshadow a vibrant dialogue between heritage and innovation.

A Showcase for the Kingdom

This prestigious summit will allow Cambodia to shine on the global stage, highlighting its cultural heritage, legendary hospitality, and commitment to peace, sustainable development, and Francophone solidarity. In the momentum of the Angkor temples, the Kingdom is weaving a future in which linguistic diversity and multilateral cooperation illuminate global challenges.