The event saw participation of crowds of representatives from diplomatic missions and international organizations in the city, including Ambassador Duong Tri Dung, head of the Vietnamese permanent mission to the United Nations, the WTO and other international organizations in Geneva.

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Ambassador Duong Tri Dung (between two ladies) and delegates at the celebration

Addressing the event, Dominique de Buman, head of the Grand Council of Geneva, highlighted the value of language and culture diversity conveyed by French, reflected via the harmonious coexistence of the French, German and Italian language speaking communities in his country.

Michael Moeller, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva also underlined the role of French language in promoting language diversity, saying that it enriches the UN system.

On the occasion, Ambassador Dung, who is also Vice Chairman of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors (GAF) in Switzerland, and GAF leaders presented the group’s awards to Michael Moeller and Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, for their outstanding contributions to promoting the values of French language and diversity of culture and language at the UN institutions.

The ceremony also featured art performances by artists from Armenia, the host of the 17th Francophonie Summit in October.

Source: VNA