The "Francophonie Week" is the festival of the French language and cultures of the French-speaking countries, which is celebrated in the middle of March across the world. The organizers and partners have prepared a program for the broad public, which consists of 20 events. This year the topic is travelling. 

French is the fifth language spoken in the world, the third language for business, used by more than 300 million people on five continents, and also is known as the language of diplomacy. 88 countries are members of the International Organization of Francophonie, in 29 of which French is the official language.

The Francophonie Week will be launched on March 9 with a public screening of the French documentary film "The Snow Leopard" starting at 18:30 in Ala-Too Cinema (free entry).  

The Swiss documentary film "Ella Maillart's Extraordinary Journey" will be presented on March 17 at 18:00 at the National Historical Museum (203 Chui Ave.). The first part of the film describes the trip of Ella Maillart in the 1920 in Kyrgyzstan, cruising on the Issyk-Kul lake and then travelling by horse to the Tian Shan mountains and the Chinese border. 100 years later, François Perraudin, a Swiss photographer and movie maker, takes a similar approach describing what has changed or not in Kyrgyzstan, from the lake of Kol-Suu in the south east to the bears Isabelle in the Besh Tash natural reserve, over the rice milling in Uzgen and the petroglyphs of Saimaluu Tash. The movie gives insight in the Kyrgyz daily life as well as in the wildlife from the whole country. 

After the Swiss film a photo exhibition of Ella Maillart's journey through Kyrgyzstan will be presented (Free entry).

Screening of the Canadian film will be held on March 13 at 18:00, the Belgian film – March 14 at 18:00 at the Academy of Tourism (address: 99 Shabdan Baatyra street). Free entry.

The Kyrgyz Republic faces challenges in the electricity sector that have become more acute in recent years; increasing demand and insufficient generation have led to an energy deficit, especially in winters.  Because of this acute challenge, Switzerland supports Kyrgyzstan in the energy sector as well.

The At Bashy Hydropower Plant was rehabilitated together by Switzerland and OJC “Electric Power Plants”, with combined investments of approximately USD 25 million (20 million from Switzerland); this was urgently needed and touched three main areas: 1) Replacement of the electricity production equipment (4 generations units); 2) Civil construction works to enhance the dam’s safety; and 3) Institutional and corporate management development.

Thanks to this rehabilitation, the power output of the Hydropower Plant has increased from 40 to 44 MW. This will lead to financial performance improvements and better electricity supply services. This project will contribute to the development of Naryn region by ensuring a reliable supply of electricity to the population and businesses. In addition, the personnel of the Hydropower Plant received training on management skills as well as towards the operation and maintenance of the newly installed equipment.

"The hydropower potential of the Kyrgyz Republic is very high, we have about 40 thousand rivers, glaciers, with four of the highest peaks in the world. We are ready to use this potential and create all conditions for future investors. A direct proof of this is the reconstruction completion of the At Bashy Hydropower Plant. From now on the At-Bashy HPP will not only provide the population of the Naryn province with stable electric power, but will also make a great contribution to the social and economic development of the whole region," said the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Akylbek Japarov and expressed his gratitude to the Swiss Government for the support in reconstruction of the At Bashy HPP.

“The project will strengthen the energy security of Naryn region for the benefit of the local population. It will also lead to a more efficient use of water resources, something essential because of the effects of climate change. We are sure that with investments in people, procedures and infrastructure, this project contributed to a more reliable energy supply”, said Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kyrgyz Republic Olivier Bangerter.

Since Kyrgyzstan's independence, Switzerland has invested around USD 55 million in the Kyrgyz energy sector and plans to continue to provide support in this sector in coming years.