Anthony Azard, 26, has been selected to represent the voice of youth for the New Brunswick delegation to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). His participation will enrich exchanges under the theme “Create, innovate and entrepreneurship in French”.
“What an immense privilege and honour it is to represent Francophone youth, both through my position and my background, within an international institution. The employability of young people and job creation, particularly through Francophone immigration, are crucial issues to better support our businesses. Focusing on concrete solutions, based on international collaboration with other heads of state, will enable us to move forward together towards a more prosperous and inclusive future,” asserts the CEO of the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Azard has a rich background in the Francophonie movement. Before holding management positions with various French-language community radio stations in southeastern New Brunswick, he began his career as a journalist. He also worked as a volunteer recruitment agent for the Canadian Francophonie Games in Moncton and Dieppe in 2017, and as a communications contractor for the Congrès mondial acadien in 2019. In addition, he has served on the boards of the Fédération des jeunes francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick (FJFNB), the Société nationale de l'Acadie (SNA), and several other regional associations.
“Economic Francophonie is essential to the vitality of our businesses. By being forward-thinking and ensuring constant innovation, it's crucial to learn more about the innovative ideas emerging around the world. This will enable us to be better prepared to meet the challenges facing our local businesses, while exchanging best practices observed elsewhere,” adds Mr. Azard.
Participation in this international event will also strengthen ties between New Brunswick and other members of La Francophonie, paving the way for new collaborations in innovation, education and economic development. By emphasizing the importance of La Francophonie in the business world, this presence helps position the province as a key player in the Francophone economic space.
Several important initiatives will be implemented to address issues related to promoting the French language, strengthening economic collaboration and integrating innovative solutions to meet the challenges of the Francophone space.
The Francophonie Summit, the highest body of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), brings together representatives from 88 member states and governments. It plays a key role in defining the strategic orientations of the Francophonie and strengthening cooperation between its members.
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ABOUT - In operation since 1994, the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce is the only chamber outside major centers in New Brunswick to be nationally accredited, thus meeting the highest standards of governance and management. Its mission is to stimulate a unified network of dynamic, diversified members by offering them opportunities to acquire the tools they need to succeed. With close to 200 members, the Cap-Acadie Chamber of Commerce promotes the economic development and growth of its member companies.
