Francophonie Cultural Exchanges : Cameroon Answers Present In Quebec

The 5th Conference of Francophone Ministers of Culture took place in Quebec City, Canada, from 22 - 24 May, 2025 at the Hotel Fairmont Frontenac. Presided at by Quebec’s Minister of Culture and Communications, Mathieu Lacombe, the event brought together thirty-seven delegations, including fifteen ministers. Cameroon was represented by H.E. Ngole Philip Ngwese, Cameroon’s High Commissioner to Canada, on behalf of the Minister of Culture Bidoung Nkpat. Organized under the auspices of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), the conference centred on the theme: “Culture, A Lever for Sustainable Development in the French-Speaking World.” Discussions focused on reinforcing cultural enterprises, promoting linguistic diversity amid digital globalization, and improving access to French language works on international digital platforms. Attended by policymakers, artists, experts, and institutions, the conference featured a series of roundtable sessions, tackling; Cultural diversity in the digital age, The role of arts and culture in a digital world and Access and distribution of Francophone digital content. 
Among the notable speakers were the Ministers of Culture of Cambodia and Senegal, the Secretary General of the French Ministry of Culture, Cameroonian-born Denis Epote of TV5 Monde, and the Administrator of La Francophonie, Caroline St-Hilaire. A prevailing concern was the overwhelming dominance of Anglo-Saxon digital content providers, prompting discussions on ways to preserve local cultures while safeguarding the Francophone identity. During the roundtable on digital content, High Commissioner Ngole Philip Ngwese voiced concerns about the rapid spread of Artificial Intelligence, particularly its impact on younger generations. While acknowledging AI’s potential, he emphasized the importance of maintaining human involvement in creative industries and advocated for clear regulations to oversee AI usage. At the plenary session, the High Commissioner further suggest...