International Organization of the Francophonie (Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie) is the first international organisation which Serbia joined (in the observer status) after gaining independence – at the plenary session of the heads of states and governments on 28 September 2006 in Bucharest.
The International Francophonie Day is celebrated on 20 March in over 60 countries across five continents.
In addition to activities aimed at improving the financial literacy of the broader public, the Visitor Centre organises exhibitions and educational activities to promote Serbia’s cultural and historic heritage as part of the common European cultural, social, political and economic identity, respectful of the specificities of each nation.
From its inception, the operation of the NBS was aided by the technical support it received from Belgium and France, particularly in relation to banknote printing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and construction and activities of the Institute for Manufacturing Banknotes– Topčider (1929). We must recall here that during the difficult times of the Great War, the National Bank of Serbia operated from the Marseille offices of Banque de France where it carried out its operations unhindered until the end of the war. Technical cooperation with central banks of the above countries continues today through the implementation of various joint projects and programmes.
Having recognised the importance of such activities as an excellent way to promote the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade and the Bank itself, and to acquaint the public at home and abroad with this specific aspect of the Serbian cultural heritage that relates to money and all its aspects, the National Bank of Serbia has been celebrating the International Francophonie Day since 2007.
