Phnom Penh Hosts Historic Gathering of Francophone Central Bank Governors
Phnom Penh Hosts Historic Gathering of Francophone Central Bank Governors
PHNOM PENH, May 29, 2026 — Cambodia is hosting the 28th Conference of Governors of Francophone Central Banks, bringing together leading monetary policymakers from across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific and the Americas to discuss the future of central bank independence in a rapidly changing global environment.
The conference, held in Phnom Penh from May 28 to 31, is jointly organized by the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and the Banque de France under the theme, “Central Bank Independence in the Face of State and Public Expectations.”
The event is chaired by NBC Governor Dr. Chea Serey and features keynote addresses by Banque de France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau and European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde. A total of 26 governors and representatives of central banks from Francophone countries are participating in the high-level gathering.
This marks the third time Cambodia has hosted the conference, following previous editions in 1996 and 2011, underscoring the country’s growing role in international financial and monetary cooperation.
Discussions at the conference focus on how central banks can preserve their operational independence while responding to increasing expectations from governments and the public amid evolving economic, financial and social challenges worldwide.
Participants are also exchanging views on monetary policy, financial stability, governance and the role of central banks in addressing emerging global economic risks.
Established in 1994 at the initiative of the Banque de France, the annual conference serves as a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing among Francophone central banks. It has played an important role in strengthening cooperation and fostering closer collaboration among monetary authorities across the French-speaking world.
The hosting of the conference further highlights Cambodia’s engagement in global financial discussions and its efforts to deepen cooperation with international monetary institutions and central banks.
