Biennale of Luanda: Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace

Luanda Biennale sheds light on culture, peace and sustainable development 

The first edition of the Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace will be held in Luanda, Angola from 18-22 September 2019, bringing together representatives of governments, civil society, private sector, the artistic and scientific community, academic institutions, and international organizations. Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, will take part in the Biennale alongside several Heads of State from Africa.

The Biennale will be organized around three main axes – a Forum of Ideas, Partners’ Forum and Festival of Culture – providing a platform for promoting Africa's diverse culture and artistic expressions.

The idea of creating a biennial dedicated to the culture of peace in Africa is inspired by African Union’s Charter for African cultural renaissance whose objectives reflect those of  UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) which recognizes that creation and access to artistic expressions are fundamental freedoms, and the cultural and creative sector is a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, reduction of inequalities, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.  Contributing to SDG Goal 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – is an important component of the 2005 Convention’s monitoring framework.

Round Table: Prevention of violence and conflict resolution through education and culture

The Biennale will put particular emphasis on culture and education as tools to prevent outbursts of violence. Harnessing the power of creativity and cultural heritage - in its many facets - to build lasting peace on the African continent will be explored.

The round table will present UNESCO's work in African states facing crises or experiencing conflict situations. The discussion will cover education for peace through cultural heritage, intercultural dialogue and the promotion of diverse cultural expressions, as well as the development of educational tools for the promotion of a culture of peace and their integration into policies and national education systems.

Festival of Culture

The Festival of Culture will offer a space for exchange between artistic and cultural expressions that help promote values of peace and non-violence through cinema, music, performing arts, fashion, literature, oral traditions and visual arts.

Major cultural events and festivals from across  the continent are associated  with the Biennale, including the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), Abidjan Market for Performing Arts (MASA), the International Festival of African Fashion (FIMA), Urban Music Festival of Anoumabo (FEMUA), and International Reggae Festival (ROTOTOM Sunsplash).