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The Third edition of the Biennale of Luanda, “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace” took place from 22 to 24 November 2023, as described briefly at the time in CPNN. The final report is now available, and we provide excerpts from its executive summary as follows:
The Biennale of Luanda, “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace”, is a joint initiative of the Government of the Republic of Angola, UNESCO and the African Union that aims to promote conflict resolution and prevention of violence, encouraging cultural exchange and intergenerational dialogue in Africa. It is a broad platform for reflection and promotion of objectives, projects, visions, principles and values, which brings together Heads of States and Governments, young leaders, international organizations, financial institutions, private sector, civil society, scientific and artistic communities and sports, to address, disseminate ideas and inspire emblematic and sustainable individual and collective actions in favor of peace in Africa and the world. . . .
Vladmir Cuba, young representative of Guinea-Bissau, during the Intergenerational Dialogue
The third edition of the Biennale brought together a notable contingent of world leaders and representatives from different nations. Four Heads of State, three Vice Presidents, four former Heads of State and Advisors of the African Union, in addition to representatives from 23 countries, honored the event with their presence. The participation surpassed the mark of 2970 participants from several continents, including Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. The opening ceremony presided over by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and marked by the presence of His Excellency the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Xing Qu, consolidated the Biennale as a forum for global dialogue to build a culture of peace.
Key outcomes included the recognition of youth and women as key actors in peacebuilding efforts, the importance of technology and education in achieving gender equality, and the role of Africa’s cultural heritage in promoting cross-cultural understanding. The event emphasized the need for intergenerational dialogue, collaborative partnerships, and innovative financing practices to drive positive change. Recommendations focused on fostering intergenerational collaboration, amplifying the voices of youth and women, effective resource allocation, and strengthening partnerships to advance the goals of peace and sustainable development in Africa. . . . .
The Luanda Biennale’s success in convening diverse voices, promoting dialogue, and empowering the next generation of peacebuilders reflects its commitment to serving as a pivotal platform for fostering peace, unity, and prosperity in Africa. The event’s legacy lies in its ability to inspire, connect, and empower individuals to contribute to the continent’s transformation, leaving a lasting impact on the discourse on peace and sustainable development in Africa. The Biennale’s strategic alignment with global and African agendas underscores its significance in shaping a narrative of progress, collaboration, and unity for the African continent.
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The Luanda Biennale: What is its contribution to a culture of peace in Africa?
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Exhibition by the artists of the ResiliArt Project
The event program, in addition to six discussion panels and parallel activities, had as its highlight an intergenerational dialogue between African leaders and young people. This interaction, under the motto “Young people, actors in promoting the culture of peace and social transformations on the continent”, provided a rich space for exchanging experiences and innovative ideas, strengthening the role of young people in building a more peaceful and fair future for Africa.
The High-Level Panel offered young leaders the opportunity to learn from the experience of the older generation and present their innovative ideas to promote peace and social transformation. This intergenerational dialogue was fundamental to strengthening the involvement of young people in decision-making processes and building a more promising future for the continent.
The Second Panel highlighted the importance of technology and education in achieving gender equality. Participants recommended the development of an action plan in partnership with UNESCO, aiming to promote digital education, science and the culture of peace and non-violence from childhood.
The Third Panel, dedicated to the role of women in promoting peace, security and development, recommended empowering women in decision- making processes and expanding their participation in peacekeeping missions. The implementation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and UN Resolution 1325 was highlighted as fundamental to achieving these objectives.
The Fourth Panel addressed the need to transform education and financing systems in Africa. Recommendations included the adoption of innovative policies, investment in research and the establishment of intergenerational partnerships to support economic and social projects for social development and the maintenance of peace on the continent.
The Fifth Panel discussed the challenges and opportunities for economic growth on the African continent. Among the recommendations were the stimulation of entrepreneurship, the simplification of business creation processes, the promotion of commercial exchanges between member states of the African Union. But also, encourage the construction of communication, transport, energy and water infrastructures, from the perspective of shared resources.
The Sixth Panel addressed climate change and its impacts on Africa. Participants recommended the use of the Clean Development Mechanism to generate financial benefits for the continent and invest in projects that promote adaptation to climate change and the mitigation of its effects.
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