Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, has called on French-speaking parliamentarians to intensify their efforts to develop stronger legislative and practical responses to some of the most pressing digital challenges facing Francophone societies. Speaking at the opening of the 51st Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Mushikiwabo emphasized that the rapid evolution of digital technologies requires coordinated action to protect citizens’ rights while ensuring future generations are equipped to thrive in the digital economy. The gathering brings together more than 300 parliamentarians from across the Francophone world to discuss political, economic, social, cultural, and technological issues affecting member states.
During her address, Mushikiwabo underscored the need for immediate action on three key priorities that have emerged as common concerns for both the OIF and the APF: protecting women’s rights in the digital space, addressing the growing spread of misinformation and other information disorders, and strengthening young people’s digital skills. She told delegates, “The protection of women’s rights in the digital space, the fight against information disorders, and the development of young people’s digital skills” must remain central priorities for Francophone institutions as they respond to the opportunities and risks created by digital transformation. Her remarks highlighted the importance of ensuring that technological progress strengthens democracy, inclusion, and sustainable development while safeguarding fundamental rights.
Calling for greater political leadership, Mushikiwabo urged lawmakers throughout the Francophone community to move beyond discussion and translate shared priorities into concrete public policy. She appealed directly to members of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, saying, “I call on French-speaking parliamentarians to step up their mobilization in order to provide legislative and operational responses to these issues.” The Secretary-General emphasized that national parliaments are uniquely positioned to enact modern legal frameworks that protect citizens online, reinforce democratic resilience against disinformation, and create safer digital environments for women, children, and vulnerable communities.
The emphasis on women’s digital rights reflects growing international concern over online harassment, gender-based violence, and unequal access to digital opportunities. Likewise, expanding digital literacy among young people was presented as a strategic investment in innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and future economic growth throughout the Francophone world. By encouraging member states to strengthen digital competencies, the OIF aims to help young people participate more effectively in the global digital economy while promoting responsible and informed use of technology.
The 51st APF Plenary Session in Yaoundé serves as one of the Francophone world’s principal parliamentary forums, bringing together legislators from national and regional assemblies to exchange ideas and coordinate responses to shared challenges. According to the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie, this year’s agenda includes discussions on democratic governance, education, artificial intelligence, media literacy, youth participation, climate-related issues, and international cooperation. The session also features the 11th Francophone Youth Parliament, providing young leaders with an opportunity to contribute recommendations that will be presented to elected representatives.
Mushikiwabo’s address reinforced the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie’s commitment to promoting a secure, inclusive, and human-centered digital future. Her call for stronger legislation and coordinated action reflects the organization’s broader mission of helping member states harness technological innovation while protecting democratic values, human rights, and equal opportunities for all citizens across the Francophone community.
