Flags of different countries wave in the wind on the eve of the 18th Francophone Summit in Djerba, Tunisia, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. The summit is scheduled to take place on Nov. 19 and 20. (Photo: AP)

TUNIS, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 18th summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie, commonly known as La Francophonie, started on Saturday in Djerba Island in southern Tunisia.

A total of 89 delegations from across the Francophone world, including those from France, Canada, Senegal and the European Council, as well as 31 heads of state and government attended the two-day event.

La Francophonie Secretary General Louise Mushikiwabo and Tunisian President Kais Saied hosted the official welcoming ceremony for participants.

Themed "connectivity in diversity -- digital vector of development and solidarity in the French-speaking world," this year's agenda covers common challenges, mainly youth employment, and digitization as a way to bolster cooperation and economic integration in the French-speaking world.

The biennial summit initially scheduled for 2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The event in Tunisia belatedly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the La Francophonie, which was founded in 1970.