Govan: Graduates of French Educational Institutions Are Permanent Bridges Between Kuwait and Paris
French Ambassador Olivier Govan affirmed at the 2026 France-Kuwait Graduates Ceremony held at the Gulf University for Science and Technology that graduates serve as permanent bridges between Kuwait and France, praising their role in strengthening educational and cultural ties.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
The French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Gouven, affirmed that graduates of French higher education institutions in Kuwait serve as enduring bridges between the two countries and as ambassadors of French education, culture, and innovation. He emphasized the importance of their role in strengthening Kuwaiti-French relations and passing on their experiences to future generations.
This statement was made during the “France and Kuwait Graduates 2026” ceremony, held at the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) under the theme “Scientific Talents: Discovery, Innovation, Leadership.” The event was attended by the university’s president, Dr. Taher Ali, along with several ambassadors, diplomatic corps members, graduates of French universities, and friends of Francophonie.
Gouven noted that “Graduates Day” was an initiative launched in July 2022 by then-French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, with the support of Campus France. Its aim is to annually celebrate graduates of French higher education institutions worldwide, highlighting their experiences and the ties that connect them to France.
He explained that this year’s theme reflects the diverse experiences many graduates in Kuwait have undertaken, whether in scientific research, medicine, economics, law, or startups. He considered these experiences to embody the value that French education adds to the professional and scientific careers of graduates.
The French ambassador pointed out that cooperation between France and Kuwait extends across a wide range of strategic sectors, including scientific research, health, economy, investment, higher education, and Francophonie. He stressed that graduates of French institutions form an important part of this ecosystem, bringing with them expertise, knowledge, and connections to France.
Regarding Francophonie in Kuwait, Gouven highlighted the strong presence of the French language in the country, with approximately 500,000 French speakers and around 1,400 French language teachers working in government and private institutions.
He noted the expansion of French language instruction to include the tenth grade, viewing this step as opening opportunities for students to continue their studies in France and benefit from French higher education institutions.
Gouven called on French graduates in Kuwait to maintain their cohesion, leverage the alumni network, and work to develop it. He urged them to act as “ambassadors of French higher education” by sharing their experiences and expertise with younger generations.
He affirmed that sustained communication among graduates and the strengthening of their network would contribute to building stronger bridges between France and Kuwait, giving the educational and cultural relations between the two countries a sustainable dimension that extends beyond the years of study into a long-term professional and human journey.
