PORT-AU-PRINCE — College student Abigaïl Alexandre, 21, won the 2026 Eloquentia International in Paris Wednesday, becoming the first Haitian to claim the global public speaking title for French-speaking nations.
The Jacmel native stood out among 2,400 participants from around the world, delivering a structured and compelling speech on artificial intelligence under the theme: “Does AI widen inequalities?”
Video of the final ceremony, held before nearly 4,000 spectators at La Seine Musicale, shows Alexandre moving across a stage dressed in black, a headset hooked to her ear, as she addressed the audience while delivering her winning speech. Afterward, holding a plaque and a bouquet, she grew emotional as the crowd chanted “Abi” and “Haiti.”
“Thank you to the entire Haitian community for supporting me,” Alexandre said to the celebrants. “It was a great honor to represent Haiti at this prestigious competition.”
After receiving her laureate trophy, Alexandre now holds the title of Best Francophone Speaker and enjoys international recognition. A cash prize is not part of the competition.
Alexandre studies legal sciences, English and cosmetology in Jacmel, with an interest in beauty and clean energy. She first gained national recognition after winning the Eloquentia competition in Jacmel in 2025, which qualified her for the international stage.
The 2026 final marked the first all-female edition of the competition, according to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (
Founded in France in 2013 by Stéphane de Freitas, the Eloquentia competition challenges young participants to debate social issues and persuade a jury through public speaking. It has grown from a local initiative into an international competition, with national selections held in multiple countries. To qualify for the final, competitions are held in several countries, and national winners are selected to represent their territories at the international level. In Haiti, Golden Team Haiti, based in Jacmel, organizes the national competition and has held the Eloquentia license since 2024. Alexandre’s victory drew praise from the French Embassy in Haiti and the French Institute in Haiti, which highlighted her talent and the broader significance of her achievement. “This victory also belongs to Haitian youth, proud and inspiring, who are making Haiti’s voice shine on the international stage,” the embassy said in a statement. Haiti’s government also congratulated Alexandre, calling her performance a reflection of the country’s youth and their potential in a statement published Thursday. “Through this outstanding performance, Abigaïl Alexandre embodies the talent, determination, and potential of Haitian youth,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. “She is a source of national pride and an inspiring role model for an entire generation.” The post Jacmel student first Haitian to win global public speaking competition appeared first on The Haitian Times.‘Source of pride’ for all Haitians
