Bridging Tradition and Modern Economic Development
The France Traditional Leadership & Economic Growth Summit 2026 will bring together traditional rulers, chiefs, opinion leaders, business executives, government officials, and cultural leaders from across the world to discuss the role of traditional and cultural institutions in promoting economic growth and sustainable development.
Summit Objectives
- Strengthen leadership through knowledge sharing and capacity building
- Preserve and promote cultural heritage as a foundation for development
- Create strategic partnerships between traditional leadership, government, and private sector
- Promote investment opportunities in traditional communities
- Support economic transformation through sustainable practices
- Foster inter-cultural dialogue and networking at the highest level
50+ Speakers
World-renowned leaders and experts sharing insights
5 Days
Of intensive sessions, workshops, and networking
40+ Countries
Represented by delegates and speakers
Cultural Excellence
Celebrating heritage and traditional leadership
Hear from World-Class Leaders
Our speakers include distinguished traditional rulers, business executives, government officials, and cultural leaders from France, Africa, and the Americas.
France
Pierre Desrochers
Director General
Institut Francophone du Développement Durable
Senior policy specialist with two decades of experience in francophone governance, territorial development, and cross-cultural leadership frameworks.
Isabelle Marchand-Rollin
Executive President
Fondation Avenir & Territoires
Dedicated advocate for rural economic revitalisation and the integration of traditional community structures into national development planning.
Thierry Beaumont-Girard
Secretary General
Conseil National des Traditions Vivantes
Specialist in intangible cultural heritage policy and the alignment of traditional governance models with modern administrative structures.
Africa
Emeka Okonkwo-Nwosu
Chairman
Pan-African Community Investment Forum
Business strategist and community development champion focused on bridging traditional leadership with private-sector growth initiatives across West Africa.
Wanjiru Muthoni-Kariuki
Executive Director
Savanna Development Initiative
Pioneering voice for women in traditional governance, driving inclusive economic programmes across rural East African communities.
Moussa Traoré-Diombana
President
Conseil des Chefs Traditionnels d'Afrique de l'Ouest
Respected custodian of West African chieftaincy traditions and a leading voice on the role of traditional institutions in regional economic integration.
Americas
Marcus L. Whitmore
Managing Director
Continental Heritage Partners LLC
Impact investor and advisor specialising in heritage-led economic development and cross-border partnership structures between the Americas and Europe.
Dr. Sylvie Thibodeau-Morin
Director
Institut Canadien du Patrimoine Culturel
Cultural policy researcher and advisor committed to preserving indigenous traditions while advancing inclusive sustainable development frameworks.
Rafael Mendonca-Braga
Founder & President
Alianca Sul-Americana de Desenvolvimento
Social entrepreneur and traditional community advocate working to align ancestral governance knowledge with modern economic and environmental policy in Latin America.
5 Days of Insightful Sessions
Panel discussions, keynote presentations, business forums, and cultural exchange sessions designed to foster collaboration.
Delegate Registration & Welcome Coffee
Official Opening Ceremony & Welcome Addresses
Speaker: French Government Officials
Keynote: The Role of Traditional Leadership in Modern Governance
Speaker: Isabelle Marchand-Rollin
Coffee & Networking Break
Panel: Preserving Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age
Networking Lunch
Workshop: Traditional Governance Systems & Modern Policy
Afternoon Break
Cultural Exhibition Opening & Gala Welcome Dinner
Paris Convention Centre
Experience world-class facilities at one of Europe's premier conference venues.
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, France
Phone
+33 1 40 68 22 22
Transportation
Metro Line 12 (Porte de Versailles) · Tram T2 · Multiple bus lines · 45 min from CDG Airport
Reserve Your Place Today
Join 500+ delegates from around the world at this premier summit.
Delegate
- Full conference access
- All meals included
- Networking events
- Conference materials
- Certificate of attendance
VIP Delegate
- Full conference access
- All meals included
- Exclusive networking events
- Premium seating
- VIP lounge access
- Private dinner invitation
- Conference materials
- Certificate of attendance
Student
- Full conference access
- Lunch included
- Networking events
- Conference materials
- Certificate of attendance
Virtual
- Live streaming access
- Digital conference materials
- Recorded sessions (90 days)
- Certificate of attendance
Delegate Registration Form
FTLEGS 2026 — Paris, France
Supported by Leading Organizations
FTLEGS 2026 is proud to be supported by a distinguished group of international organizations and corporations.
Platinum Partners
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Interested in becoming a sponsor or media partner?
Contact our partnership teamGet in Touch
Have questions about registration, sponsorship, or the programme? Our team is ready to help.
Contact Information
Phone
+33 1 40 68 22 22Address
Paris Convention Centre
1 Place de la Porte de Versailles
75015 Paris, France