Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie

The Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF) is an international assembly made up of member sections representing parliaments and interparliamentary organizations. The members that make up the APF are united by their use the French language and respect for the universal values of cooperation and friendship.

Background

The APF traces its origins to the constitutive assembly of the Association internationale des parlementaires de langue française (AIPLF) in Luxembourg in 1967. This meeting brought together delegates from 23 sections representing parliaments in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania in order to advocate for the establishment of an intergovernmental institution for the Francophonie.

While it continued to promote the French language, its primary objective, the AIPLF also wished to embody the cultural pluralism of the Francophonie. In 1989, the AIPLF became the Assemblée internationale des parlementaires de langue française, and in July 1998, during the regular session at Abidjan, the Assembly adopted the name Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (APF).

Members

Today, the APF brings together 73 parliaments and interparliamentary organizations spread across four continents: Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe.

The Americas region consists of 13 sections, including Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Legislature joined the APF as an observer in 1981, and has been an official member since 1989.

Activities of the APF

The APF participates in establishing and reinforcing democratic institutions through the adoption of texts that it distributes to the relevant authorities in the Francophonie, and through the organization of goodwill missions and electoral observation missions. It seeks primarily to promote and defend democracy, the constitutional state, and respect for human rights, and to allow the French language and cultural diversity to prosper around the world.

The awarding of the Ordre de la Pléiade, an international honour that recognizes services rendered to the Francophonie, is an initiative of the APF.

For all questions regarding the Nova Scotia Section of the APF, contact the administrative secretary at 902-424-0497.