In 1997, the Francophonie underwent a major restructuring during a summit of francophone heads of state and government in Hanoi, Vietnam. The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) was created, becoming the political body of the organization. As part of this restructuring, the OIF established a new primary operator to replace the Cultural and Technical Cooperation Agency (ACCT). This new operator, called the Intergovernmental Agency of the Francophonie (AIF), was integrated into the OIF in November 2005.
In addition to the AIF, the OIF created four other direct operators: the University Agency of the Francophonie (AUF), which replaced the Association of French-language Universities (Aupelf-Uref); the TV5 television network; the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF); and the Senghor University of Alexandria. The OIF also established a consultative assembly called the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF).
These changes represented a significant shift in the Francophonie’s organizational structure, allowing it to more effectively address its goals of promoting French language and culture, as well as fostering cooperation and development among its member countries. The AIF, for example, has played an important role in facilitating intergovernmental cooperation and dialogue among francophone nations, particularly in the areas of peace, security, and development.
Similarly, the AUF has continued to work toward enhancing the quality of education, research, and innovation in francophone countries, while also promoting cooperation and collaboration among its member institutions. TV5 has served as a vital channel for francophone media and cultural exchange, while the AIMF has worked to support the development of cities and local communities in francophone countries.
The creation of the APF has also helped to promote democratic governance and human rights, while encouraging dialogue and cooperation among the parliamentarians of francophone countries.
Overall, the restructuring and reform of the Francophonie has allowed the organization to better fulfill its mission of promoting the French language and culture, as well as contributing to the development and progress of its member countries. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the Francophonie remains an important network for promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, as well as cooperation and understanding among nations.