Dumbea Hall in Port Vila has officially been renamed Maison de la Francophonie, following a formal handover ceremony between the French Ambassador to Vanuatu, Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer, and Lady Mayor of Port Vila, Hon. Jenny Regenvanu.

The initiative stems from the aftermath of Cyclone Pam, when France and New Caledonia committed to supporting Vanuatu’s recovery efforts. In 2017, the cities of Dumbea (New Caledonia) and Port Vila signed a cooperation agreement to create a shared space for Francophone cultural activities—with backing from the French Development Agency (AFD) and Dumbea Municipality, contributing around 137 million vatu.

Ambassador Vilmer said the ambition of the project is to support cultural resilience, foster long-term development, and strengthen the presence of Francophonie in Vanuatu.

“This house stands as a symbol of cultural solidarity, and of our shared vision for rebuilding and growing together.”

The Maison de la Francophonie was inaugurated with three key objectives:

• To serve the people of Port Vila;
• To strengthen ties between Vanuatu and other French-speaking Pacific communities;
• To promote values like solidarity, diversity, and sustainable development.

The new centre includes:

• A public awareness hub;
• An eco-social space;
• And a skills development facility to support local capacity-building.

Port Vila’s Lady Mayor, who is also President of the Association managing the centre, said the house is a living symbol of the deep friendship between Port Vila and Dumbea.

“We hope this space becomes useful for everyone—Francophones and Anglophones alike. It’s a house open to children, youth, associations, businesspeople, and all citizens of Port Vila and Dumbea. A place of solidarity, connection, and a platform to share ideas and projects.”

The Maison de la Francophonie stands as a place where people come together to cooperate, share stories, and shape a better tomorrow—through language, culture, and collaboration.