Lebanon going French: Francophone nations to meet in Beirut

Lebanon is to host an international conference for French-speaking nations which aims at promoting French culture and language and ties between Francophone countries.

Details of the 11th Mondial de la Publicite Francophone congress were announced at a news conference on September 17.

Participants from over 12 Francophone countries will attend the event next month, which will be covered by such media as Le Monde, Le Figaro, Liberation, RFI, Canal plus, M6 and others, said Erwin Guerrovich, president of Lebanon's MPE.

Guerrovich maintained that the congress was a good opportunity for Lebanon to promote its image "in a different context to that of the tragedies of the South," especially since the event will be highly publicized.

"The congress will show multi-cultural, multi-lingual Lebanon with a rich history, and delivers a message about the international character of Beirut to the world community," Guerrovich said.

Representatives from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, north and central Africa countries as well as Canada have confirmed their participation.

The MPE was created in 1986, and Lebanon has been chosen to host the 11th session, despite having joined the organisation only three years ago.

According to Guerrovich, this manifestation is the first of its kind in Lebanon and allows for the exchange of cultures and interaction between contestants.

A two-day is scheduled to discuss the role of the media and advertising and their effects on society from different aspects. They will take place at Kaslik University (USEK).

The MPE will end with a gala on October 4, to award advertisements in 14 categories.

A total of 57 trophies will be presented.