The University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, in partnership with GADIF, the Group of Francophone Embassies, Delegations and Institutions in Romania, hosted on March 23, 2026 the Francophonie Gala, a landmark event dedicated to international dialogue and the role of young people in a world marked by multiple challenges.
This year’s edition, held under the theme “Génération paix? La contribution de la jeunesse à un monde plus apaisé” (“Peace generation? Youth’s contribution to a more peaceful world”), brought to the forefront the responsibility of the new generation to actively contribute to building a global climate based on cooperation, solidarity and intercultural understanding.
The gala evening was opened by Prof. Dr. Sorin Mihai Cîmpeanu, Rector of the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, President of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (2017–2025), President of the National Council of Rectors of Romania, head of the Romanian Parliament’s Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of Francophonie and former Minister of Education, who underlined the essential role of education and academic cooperation in strengthening the Francophone space.
In the official opening, the event’s host, Mr. Zouhair Hariq, offered a moment of reflection on identity and belonging within the Francophone space:
“We will have the opportunity to learn more during the address of the Representative of the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Before officially opening this evening, allow me to share a brief reflection…
An old legend says that every person should always carry, in their pockets, two small notes: on one, writes ‘the world was created for you,’ and on the other, ‘you are nothing but a speck of dust.’ To remain in balance, we must know at the same time that we are both grand and fragile, important and ephemeral. It is not ‘to be or not to be’ that is the question, but to be and not to be at the same time. Tonight, we are in Romania, but we carry within us the identity of several cultural spaces brought together. We are and we are not, at the same time, part of each of them.
Through speeches, music and encounters, we let Francophonie unite us. And the message remains simple and powerful: we are part of a world that, together, we can recreate.”
The event brought together prominent figures from the academic, diplomatic and political spheres, who took the floor: Hassan Abouyoub, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and GADIF President; Ambrozie-Irineu Darău, Minister of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism; Luca Niculescu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Éric Poppe, Regional Representative of the International Organisation of La Francophonie for Central and Eastern Europe; Mihnea Costoiu, Rector of the Politehnica University of Bucharest and Dacian Cioloș, former Prime Minister of Romania and candidate for the leadership of the OIF.
The guests contributions highlighted the importance of education, international cooperation and the civic engagement of young people in promoting peace and intercultural dialogue, while also underlining Romania’s active role within institutional and academic Francophonie.
By organizing the 2026 Francophonie Gala, USAMV Bucharest reaffirms its commitment to promoting Francophone values and supporting a new, engaged generation capable of contributing to the building of a more balanced and more united society.
