Between August 27 and 29, 2026, the Sheraton Hotel in Laval, Quebec, Canada, played host to a landmark gathering of global Haitian communities: the World Forum of the Haitian Diaspora (FOMADA). As guest of honor at the event, Haiti’s Minister of Culture and Communication Emmanuel Ménard brought a bold new vision for strengthening Haiti’s global cultural footprint, while acknowledging the critical role of diaspora communities in the nation’s future.
Addressing a crowd of international delegations at the forum’s opening reception, Ménard opened by praising the unwavering solidarity Haitian communities spread across the globe have consistently extended to their loved ones back home. Amid ongoing challenges facing Haiti, the minister emphasized that collective action remains the most powerful tool for progress. He called on all diaspora associations to set aside divisions, unify their efforts, and combine their resources to drive tangible change. For Haitian cultural operators, artists, and artisans working both at home and abroad, he issued a rallying cry: draw deep inspiration from Haiti’s rich history, revolutionary thought, and unbroken national spirit to create work that honors and elevates the nation.
In a passionate address to delegates, Ménard articulated a confident vision for Haiti’s cultural future, declaring, “Haiti can achieve the miracle of establishing itself as a cultural powerhouse.” He reaffirmed that the current administration of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé remains fully committed to this goal, noting that even with a packed agenda of urgent national priorities, the government stands firmly behind the cultural policies advanced by the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
Putting that commitment into action, Ménard used the forum as a platform to make a major policy announcement: the official launch of a pilot project to develop the Haitian Cultural Center (CHAC). The initiative is designed to create new professional spaces and expanded international market access for Haitian creators, while ensuring the global spread and celebration of Haiti’s unique cultural heritage across every region of the world.
Beyond his keynote remarks and official announcements, Ménard’s visit to Quebec included a full schedule of engagement with Haitian communities across the province. He traveled to both Montreal and Laval to meet with dozens of local associations and organized community groups, including representatives from the cultural collective “La Perle Retrouvée.” He also held a working meeting with renowned sculptor Anioclès Grégoire, who is currently crafting a 24-meter bronze statue of Haitian founding father Jean-Jacques Dessalines. The new monument will replace the original statue in Cap-Haitien’s Place d’Armes, which was destroyed by vandalism in recent years.
Ménard also held high-level meetings during his trip to advance bilateral and investment cooperation. He met with Haitian-origin Canadian Senator Suze Youance to discuss opportunities for cross-border cultural collaboration, and held extensive working sessions with FOMADA coordinator Kurdy Larèche. Their talks centered on two core priorities: advancing plans to establish a Haitian Cultural Center node in Canada, and exploring major new investment opportunities in key cultural and economic sectors across Haiti.