French culture thrives in Kuwait as Sheikh Nasser lauds the worldwide influence of the French language.
In a grand event oozing elegance and cultural respect, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah passionately voiced his aspirations to deepen cultural bonds between the State of Kuwait and the French-speaking world.
At a captivating ceremony, held under his patronage at the French Ambassador's residence, marking the end of Francophonie Month 2025 (April 13-30), the esteemed figure extolled the richness, captivating beauty, and enduring impact of the French language and Francophone culture.
"Francophonie," he declared with fervor, "is not just a linguistic bond-it's a bearer of an extraordinary cultural legacy that has ignited curiosity and shaped civilizations."
Reflecting on his long-standing participation in Francophone events in Kuwait, His Highness shared his admiration for the enduring contributions of Francophonie to contemporary global thought, its role in fostering intercultural dialogue, and its promotion of intellectual and artistic diversity in an ever-globalizing world.
He lauded the French language as a beacon of reason and refinement, a language with exceptional clarity and precision that earned it the nickname of "the language of logical exactitude." His words emphasized the unique qualities that have made it indispensable in philosophy, law, and diplomacy. Furthermore, the unwavering protection of the French Academy since the 17th century has preserved the language's structural harmony and intellectual rigor.
"French," His Highness continued with intensity, "is not only a language of intellect but of exquisite musicality and aesthetic rhythm-its eloquent cadence graces the arts of poetry, music, and storytelling." Its formal elegance and structural balance, he noted, have lent it a distinct gravitas, particularly in political and cultural expression, enabling it to express abstract philosophical concepts with remarkable clarity, especially during the Enlightenment era.
He traced the historical role of the French language in European intellectual heritage, describing it as the chosen tongue of kings, ambassadors, and thinkers across the continent from the 17th to the late 19th century. "Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Montesquieu, Pascal-their timeless wisdom flowed through French," he said, underscoring the language's vital role in propagating ideals such as rationalism, tolerance, and human rights.
Moreover, French has given birth to a stunning constellation of literary and artistic wonders, from the novels of Balzac and Flaubert to the theatrical masterpieces of Molière and Corneille, to the poetic reveries of Baudelaire and Rimbaud. "Indeed," he declared, "no other language has garnered as many Nobel Prizes in Literature." Emphasizing the culture's influence, he affirmed that French continues to dominate global art, fashion, and cinema, from the Impressionists' brushstrokes to the revolutionary lens of the French New Wave.
"Francophonie," His Highness concluded with conviction, "is not merely a vehicle of words, but a noble edifice of cultural memory, intellectual refinement, and humanist values." He emphasized that French remains a vital language of diplomacy and international discourse, gracing institutions like the United Nations with its authority and eloquence.
Highlighting Kuwait's commitment to cultural plurality, His Highness reaffirmed the country's dedication to supporting Francophone presence. Assuring that Kuwait will continue to be a thriving oasis of knowledge and creativity, he invited the finest expressions of global culture, seeking inspiration and mutual enrichment.
His Highness expressed pride in witnessing the global presence of the French language-from the icy coasts of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon to the warm shores of New Caledonia and Haiti, from the great plains of Canada to the vastness of Africa. "May it flourish further," he hoped with anticipation, "until its resonance reaches even the polar extremes of our world."
Speaking on the occasion, the French Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Olivier Goffin, applauded the collective spirit that energized this year's Francophonie celebrations. He commended the efforts of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie-comprising 44 diplomatic missions-for crafting a diverse and inclusive cultural program, especially given Kuwait's double recognition as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025.
"Francophonie," the Ambassador stated, "embodies the values of inclusion and cultural richness." Spoken by over 320 million people across more than 130 countries, including half a million in Kuwait alone, the French language encourages shared global dialogue and promotes mutual understanding.
He underscored that Francophonie is not a tool for conformity, but a celebration of cultural diversity-a philosophy that inspires its flourishing presence in Kuwaiti schools, where more than 50,000 students learn French annually.
The "Francophonie Lives" festival, inaugurated on April 13, featured a colorful mosaic of French-language cultural events, arts, and performances, uniting voices from across continents in celebration of a shared heritage.
In a nutshell, the French language and Francophone culture have significantly impacted global thought by nurturing intellectual diversity, enriching cultural exchange, and forging powerful diplomatic connections.
- Following his speech, His Highness voiced his hope to extend the influence of Francophonie beyond home-and-garden affairs, expressing his aspirations for this rich culture to grace the travel experiences of those seeking to explore cultural-travel destinations.
- In the spirit of shared cultural heritage, His Highness advocated for incorporating the study of French and its related lifestyle into elementary and secondary education institutions, aspiring to deepen the understanding of this language that has bequeathed an extraordinary legacy across home-and-garden, travel, and intellectual pursuit.
