Biennale of Luanda 2023
What is the Biennale of Luanda?
The Biennale of Luanda - “Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace” is an international event that aims to promote the prevention of violence and resolution of conflicts, by encouraging cultural exchanges in Africa and dialogue between generations. It is held every two years in Luanda, the capital city of Angola.
3rd edition of the Biennale of Luanda: an important step towards "silencing the guns in Africa" and promoting a culture of peace
The 3rd edition of the Luanda Biennale - the Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace in Africa - organized by the Government of Angola, in collaboration with the African Union and UNESCO, in Luanda, the capital of Angola, from November 22 to 24, 2023, was a great success.
The Biennale of Luanda is a joint initiative of UNESCO, the African Union and the Government of Angola. 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”.
As a space for reflection and dissemination of 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.
The Biennale of Luanda will take place on 22, 23 and 24 November in Luanda, Angola and the main theme of the third edition is “Education, culture of peace and African citizenship as tools for the sustainable development of the continent”. Education has a critical role to play, not only in the overall well-being of young people at school, but also because it opens the door to a brighter future for them as adults. The education they receive is also critical for a country’s meaningful and sustainable economic growth and development. Education is vital for building a better continent and a better world for all, which is why it must be at the center of our concerns.
Agenda of action
Mitigate conflicts related to the management of national and transboundary natural resources across Africa
Empower the next generation of young Africans as catalysts for peace
Enhance the richness and diversity of cultural heritage to promote lasting peace in Africa
Promote culture and education to prevent violence and resolve conflicts, nurturing a more harmonious society
Proactively prevent conflicts over natural resources, ensuring equitable access and sustainable management
Address the needs of refugees, returnees, and displaced persons
Encourage reflection on Africa's presence in the world
Promote a free, independent, and pluralistic media landscape to support peace
"Peace is more than an absence of war. It means justice and equity for all as the basis for living together in harmony and free from violence, now, but even more so for our children and succeeding generations." Koïchiro Matsuura
Inspired by the Constitution of UNESCO, the concept of a "Culture of Peace" was formulated during the Congress on Peace in the Minds of Men, held in Côte d’Ivoire in 1989. UNESCO then engaged in a process aimed at 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.
Let us draw together on our values, traditions, our culture to find the path to prosperity and peace
The themes will be discussed in panel format, with moderators and speakers, and will include topics such as the active involvement of young people in fostering a culture of peace and driving social transformations across the continent. Technology and education as tools for achieving gender equality and the role of women in peace are other issues that will be addressed during the Forum.
The event will also discuss the challenges and opportunities linked to the integration of the African continent; the potential for economic growth; the transformation of education systems; and the ethical challenges, impact, adaptation and vulnerability concerning climate change and its profound implications for the African continent.
Partners
A Multi-stakeholder Global Partnership for Africa
The actors of the Alliance of Partners are multisectoral: Member States, public and private sector compagnies, foundations, development banks, United Nations system, committed personalities, etc.
Partners who join this global partnership will be recognized as long-term partners committed to promoting a culture of peace in Africa.
As a part of the UNESCO ResiliArt Global movement, ResiliArt Angola is a co-initiative among UNESCO, the Government of Angola and American Schools of Angola. It was launched under the umbrella of the 2nd edition of the Biennale of Luanda in April 2021.
Since its inception in 2021, ResiliArt Angola has successfully orchestrated a total of 7 art residencies, thereby facilitating the participation of around 100 young emerging and established artists. Furthermore, the initiative has curated 11 exhibitions in Angola and 5 exhibitions in the U.S. These artistic events are organized under the overarching themes of peace, gender equality, and the diverse facets of African identity.
And if we have learned anything over the past thirty years, it is that resilience and sustainable peace protection can only be achieved by societies themselves. Mechanisms to protect peace through security alone have shown their limits. These security mechanisms are necessary but never sufficient.
During November, as part of the lead-up to the Biennale of Luanda 2023 and in celebration of Angola's independence on November 11th, the UNESCO-ResiliArt Angola launched the Peace Blanket/Manta da Paz project. This initiative aims to promote peace and art among young Africans and global peers by engaging schools and the public in creating diverse artworks on a tissue.
These individual interpretations of peace will be curated by ResiliArt artists and sewn together to form a Peace Blanket/Manta da Paz. The project's results will be unveiled at the 3rd edition of the Biennale of Luanda from November 22 to 24, 2023. Countries like the U.S., Sao Tomé and Principe, and others have also joined Angola in participating in this meaningful initiative.
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