The inaugural France-Australia Day education conference was opened on 19 January in Paris by French Foreign Minister Juppe and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd. Minister Rudd spoke on joint educational co-operation between France and Australia and emphasised Australia’s strong commitment to international education, announcing the new partnership between the ANU and Paris University for Political Sciences, or "Sciences-Po", as well as the new alumni network for French students who have studied in Australia.

The event was organised by French international education agency, Campus France. It included attendance by a large number of HEI Presidents, French Education Ministry officials, students and representation from a significant number of Australian institutions.

The meeting was addressed by Michael Gallagher representing the GO8, while Vice Chancellor (Tasmania) Mr Peter Rutjen represented Universities Australia. Margaret Pearce, Minister Counsellor Education and Employment Paris spoke about three decades of international education in Australia.

Campus France announced it would open its first office in Australia later this year.