Turkmenistan has begun accepting applications for the 2026 Francophonie competitions, which this year are being held under the motto "On the Move."

The program includes a song contest, an essay contest, and an oral spelling competition.

Participation is open to individuals over the age of 17, citizens of Turkmenistan, and currently studying or having studied French.

The song contest invites participants to submit a video recording of a song performed in French. The composition is free to choose, but it must be relevant to the overall theme of the competition. The video must be submitted to the French Institute of Turkmenistan on a CD or USB drive no later than 18:30 on March 13. The jury will select the finalists based on four criteria: pronunciation and articulation quality, vocal ability, originality of the video, and relevance to the theme. The best performers will have the opportunity to perform on stage at the competition's finals.

The essay competition will take place on March 14 at 16:00 at the French Institute. To participate, please register by March 12 (18:30) at the Institute's media library or by email at ift.culture@gmail.com. The topic of the essay will be announced on the day of the competition. Entries will be judged on three main criteria: literacy and style of the French language, relevance to the assignment, and originality. The winners will present their texts on stage during the awards ceremony.

The Oral Spelling Competition is a special category designed for university students studying French as a first or second language. The first stage will be held at the following educational institutions:

Magtymguly Turkmen State University

Dovletmammet Azadi Institute of World Languages

Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan

Gorogly Turkmen State Institute

The eight students who show the best results and place first and second in the qualifying round will be invited to the final round. The final round will be a one-on-one, straight-elimination duel.

The final round and awards ceremony are scheduled for April 4 (date to be confirmed).

The Francophonie competitions aim to promote the French language and support talented youth. They contribute to strengthening cultural ties and increasing interest in the French language among young people in Turkmenistan. The competitions will provide a platform for self-expression, exchange of experiences, and creative growth for participants, according to a press release from the French Institute in Ashgabat.