Francophonie flourishes in Kuwait as Sheikh Nasser extols global legacy of French language

In a celebration steeped in elegance and cultural reverence, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah voiced his heartfelt aspirations for the deepening of cultural ties between the State of Kuwait and the Francophone world.

Speaking at a distinguished ceremony held under his patronage at the residence of the French Ambassador, marking the conclusion of Francophonie Month 2025 (April 13–30), His Highness extolled the richness, beauty, and enduring influence of the French language and Francophone culture.

“Francophonie,” he declared, “is far more than a linguistic bond—it is a bearer of an extraordinary cultural legacy that has illuminated minds and shaped civilizations.”

Reflecting on his longstanding participation in Francophone celebrations in Kuwait, His Highness affirmed his admiration for the enduring contributions of Francophonie to contemporary global thought, its role in nurturing intercultural dialogue, and its promotion of intellectual and aesthetic diversity in a globalizing world.

He lauded the French language as a beacon of reason and refinement, a language whose intrinsic clarity and precision earned it the moniker of “the language of logical exactitude.” These qualities, he noted, have made it indispensable in philosophy, law, and diplomacy. The unwavering guardianship of the French Academy since the 17th century, he added, has preserved the language’s structural harmony and intellectual rigor.

“French,” His Highness continued, “is not only a language of intellect but of exquisite musicality and aesthetic rhythm—its eloquent cadence graces the arts of poetry, music, and storytelling.” Its formal elegance and structural balance, he noted, have lent it a distinct gravitas, particularly in political and cultural expression, enabling it to articulate abstract philosophical notions with remarkable accessibility, especially during the Enlightenment era.

He traced the historic role of the French language in European intellectual heritage, describing it as the chosen tongue of kings, ambassadors, and thinkers across the continent from the 17th to the late 19th century. “Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu, Pascal—their timeless wisdom flowed through French,” he said, underscoring the language’s pivotal role in propagating ideals such as rationalism, tolerance, and human rights.

French, he added, has birthed a constellation of literary and artistic marvels—from the novels of Balzac and Flaubert, to the theatrical masterpieces of Molière and Corneille, to the poetic reveries of Baudelaire and Rimbaud. “Indeed,” he declared, “no other language has garnered as many Nobel Prizes in Literature.” French culture, he affirmed, continues to shape global art, fashion, and cinema, from the Impressionists’ brushstrokes to the revolutionary lens of the French New Wave.

“Francophonie,” His Highness concluded, “is not merely a vehicle of words, but a noble edifice of cultural memory, intellectual refinement, and humanist values.” He emphasized that French remains a vital language of diplomacy and international discourse, gracing institutions such as the United Nations with its authority and eloquence.

Highlighting Kuwait’s commitment to cultural plurality, His Highness reiterated the country’s dedication to nurturing Francophone presence, ensuring that Kuwait remains a flourishing oasis of knowledge and creativity. “Our doors,” he said, “will remain wide open to the finest expressions of global culture, from which we draw inspiration and mutual enrichment.”

His Highness expressed pride in witnessing the global presence of the French language—from the icy coasts of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to the warm shores of New Caledonia and Haiti, from the great plains of Canada to the vastness of Africa. “May it flourish further,” he hoped, “until its resonance reaches even the polar extremes of our world.”

Speaking on the occasion, French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Olivier Goffin, praised the collective spirit that animated this year’s Francophonie celebrations. He credited the efforts of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie—comprising 44 diplomatic missions—for curating a vibrant and inclusive cultural program, especially as it coincides with Kuwait’s distinction as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025.

“Francophonie,” the Ambassador noted, “embodies the values of inclusion and cultural richness. Spoken by over 320 million people across more than 130 countries—including half a million in Kuwait alone—the French language fosters a shared global dialogue.”

He emphasized that Francophonie is not a tool of conformity, but a celebration of cultural diversity—a philosophy that underpins its thriving presence in Kuwaiti schools, where over 50,000 students study French annually.

The “Francophonie Lives” festival, launched on April 13, featured a mosaic of French-language cultural events, arts, and performances, uniting voices from across continents in celebration of a shared heritage.