FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about the Biennale of Luanda? Find all your answers here!

The Biennale of Luanda – “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace” is a joint initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the African Union (AU) and the Government of Angola that aims to promote the prevention of violence and the resolution of conflicts, by encouraging cultural exchanges in Africa and dialogue between generations.

As a space for reflection and dissemination of artistic works, ideas and best practices related to the culture of peace, it brings together representatives of governments, civil society, the artistic and scientific community, and international organizations. It participates in the implementation of the "Plan of Action for a Culture of Peace in Africa/Make Peace Happen" adopted in March 2013 in Luanda, Angola, during the Pan-African Forum "Sources and Resources for a Culture of Peace”.

The Biennale was established by Decision 558/XXIV, adopted in 2015 at the 24th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, requesting the African Union Commission (AUC) to work towards its organization, in consultation with UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of Angola.

Inspired by the Constitution of UNESCO, the concept of a "culture of peace" was formulated during the International Congress on Peace in the Minds of Men, held in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire in 1989. UNESCO, followed by the United Nations, then engaged in a process aimed at defining, structuring and then promoting the concept of a culture of peace and non-violence worldwide, a commitment reflected in the late 1990s with the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.

The “culture of peace” consists of "values, attitudes and behaviours that reflect and inspire social interaction and sharing based on the principles of freedom, justice and democracy, all human rights, tolerance and solidarity, that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts".

- General Assembly of United Nations, Resolution 52/13, January 1998

The aim of the Biennale of Luanda is to work towards a daily and sustainable individual and collective appropriation and implementation, on the continent, of the concept of a culture of peace.

Its overall objective is to strengthen the Pan-African Movement for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence through the creation of:

  1. A global cooperation platform for the elaboration of strategies for the prevention of violence and conflicts and the dissemination of initiatives and good practices, with a view to building sustainable peace and development in Africa (Thematic Forums).
  2. A space of discussion between the youth from Africa and its diasporas and African leaders (Intergenerational Dialogue).
  3. A space for exchange between the cultural identities of Africa and its Diasporas, a privileged meeting place for the arts, cultures and heritages as instruments of dialogue, mutual understanding and tolerance (Festival of Cultures).

 

  1. A multi-actor partnership between governments, civil society, the artistic and scientific community, the private sector and international organizations. A major opportunity to support emblematic programmes for Africa by scaling up projects and initiatives that have proven successful at local, national or sub-regional level (Alliance of Partners for the Culture of Peace in Africa).

 

The five-day programme organized around the following axes:

  • Intergenerational dialogue between leaders and youth;
  • Thematic and good practice forums;
  • Launch of the Alliance of Partners for the Culture of Peace in Africa;
  • Festival of cultures

Read the Programme of the Biennale of Luanda 2021 here.

The Biennale of Luanda 2021 will be aligned with the 2021 theme of the African Union "Arts, culture and heritage: levers for building the Africa we want” and “Silencing the guns in Africa”.

You can follow the “Biennale TV”, freely accessible from the Biennale’s website with interpretation available in English, French and Portuguese. You can actively follow the different sessions, debates and concerts of the Biennale that will be broadcast live throughout the 5 days of the event.

No, the Biennale of Luanda 2021 is free.

The provisional programme and speakers list are available online by cliclking here. In the coming weeks, we will update the programme and new speakers will be announced. Check our website and social media regularly (@unescoNOW on Twitter / @unesconow on Instagram).

Click here to read more information about the Alliance of Partners.

Follow the Biennale of Luanda on:

Official hashtag: #BiennaleLuanda

Click here to access the Biennale of Luanda’s Press Room and to find all the relevant contacts, information and communication materials dedicated to the press for the Biennale of Luanda 2021.

Click here to find out about the UNESCO Team.