What can history teach us about peace? How can knowledge and culture strengthen dialogue? And how can cooperation around shared resources help prevent conflict? These questions shaped the discussions at UNESCO Headquarters on the International Day of Peace, under the theme “Building a Culture of Peace in Africa.”
The programme opened with contributions from Issaka Garba Abdou, Head of the Division of Governance and Human Rights at the African Union Commission; H.E. Maria Cândida Pereira Teixeira, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Angola to UNESCO; and Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations at UNESCO.
From dialogue to cooperation
The vision and purpose of the Biennale of Luanda – Pan-African Forum for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence took centre stage in the first session, which examined how the Biennale has evolved into a platform for dialogue, exchange and cooperation across the continent.
Ana Elisa De Santana Afonso, International Coordinator of the Biennale of Luanda at UNESCO, presented the initiative and its role in bringing together governments, regional organizations, civil society, young people, women, artists, researchers and other stakeholders around peace and non-violence.
Joining online, Dimitri Sanga, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Multisectoral Office for West Africa (Sahel) in Dakar, highlighted UNESCO’s work in translating commitments to peace into action on the ground.
This year’s edition of the Biennale of Luanda will focus on “Strengthening Water Governance in Africa as a Tool for Conflict Prevention, Mediation and Resolution”, placing cooperation around water at the centre of discussions on peace and resilience.
