A new publication commemorating the legacy of the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk has highlighted his role in promoting the French language and helping lay the foundations of the international Francophonie movement. The book also describes King Norodom Sihamoni as a worthy heir to his father’s commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity.
Titled The King-Father Norodom Sihanouk and the Francophonie, the 24-page work was published by the Documentation Center of Cambodia (DC-Cam) and the Queen Mother Library. Written by Julio A. Jeldres, it examines Sihanouk’s political life, diplomatic relationships and contributions to the community of French-speaking countries.
The publication comes as Cambodia marks the 14th anniversary of Sihanouk’s death on October 15. He died in Beijing in 2012, aged 89, after playing a central role in the country’s modern history, including leading the campaign for independence from France in 1953.
Jeldres traces Sihanouk’s contribution to the Francophonie alongside three other prominent leaders: Senegalese president Léopold Sédar Senghor, Tunisian president Habib Bourguiba and Nigerien president Hamani Diori, who helped establish the foundations of cooperation among French-speaking nations.
According to the book, Sihanouk recognised the diplomatic and cultural importance of French and supported the creation of an international community that could bring countries together through a shared language, rather than simply preserve colonial-era relationships.
In a 1962 contribution to the French journal Esprit, Sihanouk argued that Cambodia could play a significant role in promoting French culture in Asia.
“It is not unknown, moreover, in the intellectual circles where Esprit circulates, that Cambodia occupies an honourable place among Francophone countries, and that it could be, if France wanted it and consented to the few sacrifices necessary for this, the ‘sanctuary’ of French culture in Asia,” he wrote.
He also stressed the relationship between culture and international influence, saying: “The influence of a country, nowadays, is closely linked to its cultural influence.”
The new work recounts how Sihanouk used French in journalism and diplomacy to explain Cambodia’s monarchy and communicate the country’s political position to international audiences. After independence, he supported the development of secondary schools, universities and publications in French, viewing the language as a means of accessing scientific, technical and literary knowledge.
Jeldres also describes the personal influence of Sihanouk’s commitment to the language. In the foreword, he recalls writing to the Cambodian mission to the UN as a Chilean student in 1967 and receiving a response from the then head of state in French.
The experience prompted Jeldres to study French so he could correspond with Sihanouk.
“That was the essence of the King-Father and the Francophonie!” Jeldres writes, recalling Sihanouk’s decision to use French even though he could have replied in English.
The brochure notes that Cambodia did not become a founding member of the organisation established through the Treaty of Niamey in March 1970, as the coup that removed Sihanouk from power took place that month. Cambodia joined the Francophonie as an observer in 1991 before becoming a full member in 1993.
It also highlights the role of King Norodom Sihamoni, who lived and studied in France for many years, taught dance in Paris and represented Cambodia at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation before ascending the throne in 2004.
The publication describes Sihamoni as a “worthy direct heir” to his father’s legacy, citing his support for French-language education, cultural diversity and Cambodia’s participation in international Francophone institutions.
At the 19th Francophonie Summit in France in October 2024, Sihamoni reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the organisation’s principles.
“Cambodia wishes to reiterate its adherence to the values and principles of La Francophonie, as well as its deep commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity — a driver of human development,” he said.
Through historical photographs, diplomatic accounts and quotations from prominent figures, the book presents Sihanouk’s legacy as extending beyond Cambodia’s political history to the international promotion of language, education and cultural cooperation.
The publication comes as Cambodia prepares to host the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh on November 15–16, under the central theme “Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Lasting Stability”.
The summit marks just the second time an Asian nation has hosted the summit and will bring together heads of state and government from across the French-speaking world.
Several major events will be held alongside the summit from November 13 to 17, including the FrancoTech 2026 exhibition, a France-Cambodia Business Forum and a public Francophonie Village at Wat Botum Park.