The IFCCD applauds the leadership shown by the Francophonie in adopting a strong position on cultural and linguistic diversity and hopes that this collective mobilization will encourage all States and governments to intensify their efforts to promote greater diversity of cultural and linguistic expressions in the digital world.

Acknowledging current challenges, particularly those related to the risks of cultural homogenization and linguistic standardization in the digital environment, the declaration includes several commitments organized around six key pillars:

• adopting cultural policies and legislative and regulatory frameworks adapted to the digital age at all levels;
• strengthening multilateral cooperation by promoting a shared Francophone advocacy on discoverability;
• building digital skills;
• financially supporting Francophone cultural and creative industries;
• adopting common standards for cultural data governance; and
• raising public awareness of responsible cultural consumption.

The IFCCD particularly welcomes paragraph 11 of the declaration, which calls for “a coordinated position in international forums […] notably at UNESCO.” This commitment sends a strong signal in favor of a united Francophonie around issues of cultural diversity in the digital environment. With the upcoming Conference of Parties to the 2005 Convention (June 2025) and MONDIACULT 2025 (September 2025), the Federation hopes this call will encourage UNESCO Member States to strengthen their action on the international stage. Meaningful action must be taken in the very short term.

The IFCCD also highlights paragraph 10, which emphasizes the importance of supporting initiatives aimed at rebalancing cultural flows between the North and South, and among countries of the Global South. There can be no true diversity of cultural expressions as long as Southern cultures remain marginalized—especially online. Committed to fighting cultural homogenization, the IFCCD calls for bold measures to amplify all cultures, recognizing that hegemonic dynamics and even definitions of cultural diversity are rooted in the histories, languages, and realities specific to each territory.

The IFCCD stands ready to support the Member States and governments of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) in developing the future implementation mechanism for the declaration. As a global representative of artists and cultural professionals, it emphasizes the need to involve civil society in all processes that impact the diversity of cultural expressions and the public policies that support them.

Thanks to the role of rapporteur fulfilled by IFCCD’s Secretary General, Marie-Julie Desrochers, the concerns, proposals, and expectations expressed by civil society during CulturIA, premières Assises culturelles de l’IA en Francophonie, were directly conveyed to the Ministers of Culture who took part in the Conference (read the speech).

The Federation also highlights the key role played by the Government of Québec and the OIF in co-organizing this meeting and congratulates the leadership of Québec’s Minister of Culture and Communications, Mr. Mathieu Lacombe, for hosting this major event in Québec City, the cradle of Francophone America.