New Caledonia/Nouméa: Xth Asia-Pacific regional assembly of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie

From June 6 to 8, 2025, the XIth Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) was held in Nouméa (New Caledonia). This meeting brought together the member sections of the Asia-Pacific region (Cambodia, Vietnam, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia, French Polynesia), and focused on the common challenges facing French-speaking societies in this geographical area.

The proceedings took place in the hemicycle of the Congress of New Caledonia, and began with a formal opening session attended by Mr. Vaimu'a MULIAVA, Asia-Pacific regional delegate, Mr. Thierry SANTA, representing the Caledonian government, and Mr. Edgar DOERIG, representing the International Francophonie Organization. Vaimu'a MULIAVA, regional delegate for Asia-Pacific, Thierry SANTA, representing the Caledonian government, and Edgar DOERIG, representative of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie for Asia-Pacific.

Two round tables addressed crucial issues shared by the region's territories: the development of francophone entrepreneurship and innovation in Asia-Pacific countries, and francophone cooperation in employability and recruitment in the medical sector in Asia-Pacific countries.

Speeches by experts and players in these fields provided the representatives in attendance with a range of elements for comparison, practical tools and experience sharing. The delegations then presented their activity reports. A hearing organized by New Caledonia's academic delegation for European and international relations and cooperation highlighted the free e-Twinning Pacifika Asia digital platform.

Prof. Nicolas Mainetti, AUF Regional Director - Asia-Pacific, took part as a panellist in the round table on Francophone cooperation in employability and recruitment in the medical sector in Asia-Pacific countries.

The main objectives of the round table were to

• To inform parliamentarians about the situation of the medical sector in each country of the region;

• Combat medical deserts and give populations access to local healthcare services;

• Set up initial and continuing training programs for healthcare personnel;

The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie wishes to mobilize the network of its member universities in the Asia-Pacific region to co-construct these training programs and thus help achieve the objectives of this essential project.

Source: www.auf.org/