Cambodia Opens Francophonie Village to Showcase Khmer Culture

PHNOM PENH, November 13, 2026 — Cambodia is set to inaugurate the Francophonie Village at Wat Botum Vatey Garden in Phnom Penh on Friday, marking the opening of one of the major public events accompanying the 20th Francophonie Summit.

The five-day event, running from November 13 to 17, will bring together cultural representatives, institutions, businesses, artists, and visitors from Cambodia and across the Francophone world. It is being held under the theme “The Khmer Smile will be the Smile of Francophonie” (Le sourire khmer, le sourire de la Francophonie).

The inauguration is scheduled to be presided over by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and his spouse, Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, with the participation of Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), alongside government representatives and national and international partners.

Francophonie Village 2026 at a Glance

Key information about Cambodia’s Francophonie Village, a major public event accompanying the 20th Francophonie Summit.

Key Information	Details
Event	Francophonie Village (Village de la Francophonie)
Location	Wat Botum Vatey Garden, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Event Dates	November 13–17, 2026
Site Area	Approximately 10,000 square metres
General Exhibition Booths	Approximately 130
Cultural Performances	Approximately 50 scheduled performances
Public Opening Hours	10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
20th Francophonie Summit	November 15–16, 2026, Phnom Penh
Village Theme	The Khmer Smile will be the Smile of Francophonie Le sourire khmer, le sourire de la Francophonie
Summit Theme	Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability
Main Focus	Culture, tourism, education, international cooperation and people-to-people connectivity
Special Cultural Feature	Khmer Sbai embroidery and traditional cultural heritage

Source: Cambodian government event information and the official 20th Francophonie Summit website. Figures are approximate where indicated.

A Meeting Place for Cultures and Communities

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, the Francophonie Village covers approximately 10,000 square meters at Wat Botum Vatey Garden. Its location places the event within an area surrounded by important cultural and historical landmarks, including the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and the Independence Monument.

Designed as an open public event, the village aims to promote cultural diversity, tourism, education, cooperation, and people-to-people connections among Francophone countries.

According to the event organizers, the venue will feature national pavilions, general exhibition areas, food stalls, conference facilities, and spaces for daily cultural performances. The public is expected to have free access from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. throughout the five-day program.

The official event website describes the village as a people-centered celebration, providing opportunities for young people, women, and the wider public to participate in cultural exchange and international dialogue.

Showcasing Cambodia and the Francophone World

National pavilions will provide participating countries with opportunities to present their national identities, cultural heritage, tourism destinations, and cooperation priorities.

Cambodia’s pavilion will highlight Khmer architecture, cultural traditions, national heritage, tourism potential, and development achievements. It will also reflect the country’s engagement with the wider Francophone community.

A special program featuring traditional Khmer silk scarf embroidery, known as Sbai Khmer, will showcase the country’s traditional clothing and craftsmanship. The initiative also aims to encourage wider recognition of Khmer cultural heritage, including efforts to promote the traditional textile craft internationally.

Beyond the national pavilions, the general exhibition area will present arts, culture, education, tourism, employment opportunities, Cambodian products, and creative works. Organizers have indicated that the exhibition area will accommodate approximately 130 booths involving government institutions, provincial administrations, associations, international organizations, and private-sector businesses.

The Gastronomy Village will offer another opportunity for cultural exchange through traditional food, live cooking demonstrations, and the culinary traditions of Cambodia and other Francophone countries.

Dialogue on Peace, Education, and Cooperation

The Francophonie Village is also designed as a space for discussion and knowledge-sharing.

Around 30 thematic discussions and roundtable sessions are planned, addressing subjects including women, peace and security; education and artificial intelligence; multiculturalism; tourism; and cultural cooperation.

A conference program organized by relevant Cambodian ministries and institutions will provide opportunities for participants to exchange perspectives on shared challenges and potential areas of cooperation.

Daily cultural performances will further contribute to the event, with approximately 50 performances planned. Participating groups are expected to include Cambodian public and non-governmental arts organizations, as well as international performers from countries including France, Canada, Romania, and Armenia.

International media will also be present. TV5MONDE, the French international television network, is preparing a studio at the village to produce and broadcast coverage of activities during the event.

Part of Cambodia’s Historic Francophonie Summit

The Francophonie Village forms part of the wider program surrounding the 20th Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia is hosting for the first time.

The summit is scheduled to take place in Phnom Penh on November 15 and 16, following the 48th Session of the Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie on November 14.

Its overarching theme is “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability.” The theme highlights the importance of peace as a foundation for sustainable development, international cooperation, and shared prosperity.

The village’s theme, “The Khmer Smile will be the Smile of Francophonie,” complements this message by connecting Cambodia’s cultural identity and spirit of hospitality with the values of friendship, dialogue, and solidarity among nations.

A further highlight is expected on the afternoon of November 15, when a Spouse Programme led by Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet will welcome spouses of participating leaders and delegates. The program is expected to include cultural activities, demonstrations of Khmer embroidery, and visits to national pavilions and exhibition areas.

Building Connections Beyond the Summit

While the formal summit will bring together leaders and representatives of Francophone countries, the Francophonie Village provides a more accessible setting for cultural interaction and public participation.

Through exhibitions, performances, food, educational discussions, and national presentations, the event offers visitors an opportunity to discover the diversity of the Francophone community while learning more about Cambodia’s heritage and contemporary development.

For Cambodia, hosting the summit and its accompanying public events represents an opportunity to strengthen international engagement, promote its cultural identity, and deepen connections with countries and communities across the Francophone world.

Ultimately, the message behind the event’s theme is simple: peace creates the conditions for friendship, cultural exchange, opportunity, and shared prosperity. The Khmer smile, in this spirit, becomes an invitation to connect with the world.