On February 21, 2024, Dr. CHHIV Yiseang, a distinguished Secretary of State and an influential figure within the Economic and Social Council (CES) of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), made significant contributions during the concluding session of the CES’s inaugural term (2022-2024) in Paris. This session, led by AUF Rector Professor Slim KHALBOUS, also saw the participation of nine other council members representing the Regional Commission of Economic and Scientific Experts (CREES) for various regions, including Asia and the Pacific, of which Dr. Yiseang is the Vice-President.
Following the triumphant organization of the 3rd World Week of Scientific Francophonie in Quebec, Canada, in November 2023, discussions at this meeting pivoted towards the upcoming 4th edition, slated for October 2024 in Toulouse, France. The CES is expected to play a pivotal role in this forthcoming event.
The meeting provided an opportunity for reflection on the CES’s accomplishments throughout its first term, spanning from February 2022 to February 2024. The council was lauded for successfully embedding the AUF within the Francophone economic sphere and enhancing its socio-economic stature. The positive trajectory of the CES since its inception was acknowledged, with the council evolving from its initial phase of establishing its identity and priorities to effectively executing its missions at full capacity.
A key agenda item was the consideration of new and returning members for the CES’s next term, ensuring the continued vitality and effectiveness of the council.
The meeting also highlighted the successes of the ENTREPRENDRE program, which fosters an entrepreneurial spirit within higher education institutions across approximately ten countries. Given the program’s impactful outcomes, there was a unanimous decision to broaden its reach to other regions where the AUF operates. In a significant development, AUF Rector Slim KHALBOUS announced the extension of the ENTREPRENDRE project to Cambodia in 2024, recognizing its potential for positive impact.
This gathering underscored the ongoing commitment of the AUF and its Economic and Social Council to advancing the Francophonie’s scientific and economic dimensions on a global scale.
Source: MFAIC
