Luanda to Host Pan-African Forum for Culture of Peace
Luanda – Luanda, the capital city of Angola, is set to become the African hub for the culture of peace from the 22nd to the 24th of this month. The city will host the 3rd edition of the Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace, facilitating an intergenerational dialogue between African heads of state and young Africans.
According to Angola Press News Agency, The forum will feature six panels addressing various themes, including the role of youth in promoting a culture of peace and social transformation, the use of technology and education to achieve gender equality, the role of women in peace, security, and development processes, innovative practices and financing in education system transformation, the challenges and opportunities of African continental integration and economic growth, and the ethical challenges, impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability related to climate change.
Co-organized by Angola, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the African Union (AU), the event aims to bridge generational gaps in working towards a peaceful Africa and engage young people in contributing to the Pan-African Movement for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence.
Luanda: A Cosmopolitan City with a Rich History and Diverse Culture
Luanda, with an area of 113 km2 in the city and 18,826 km2 in the province, is home to over 7 million inhabitants. The capital city, established since 1627, experienced a significant population increase during the years of armed conflict due to an exodus from the interior to the coastal areas.
Post-2011, Luanda has seen rapid development, particularly in civil construction and telecommunications, with significant national and international investments. As the main financial, commercial, and economic center of Angola, Luanda contributes about 90% of the country’s GDP. The Port of Luanda, handling over 70% of Angolan imports and exports, is a vital commercial hub.
Tourism in Luanda is highlighted by attractions like Avenida 4 de Fevereiro (Marginal), Luanda Bay, and the island of Luanda, known for its beaches, entertainment infrastructure, and the popular city carnival.
The city’s diverse culture is reflected in its gastronomy, music, and dance, with dishes like mufete and musical genres like kizomba and kuduro. Luanda’s rich cultural and historical heritage is showcased in its architecture, museums, and historical sites, making it a vibrant destination for visitors.
Luanda is also the principal university center in Angola, hosting several universities and attracting a mix of local and international communities.
Biennale of Luanda: A Platform for Peace and Development
The Luanda Biennale, a biennial event, focuses on violence prevention, conflict resolution, cultural exchange, and sustainable development in Africa. It brings together global leaders, investors, artists, scientists, youth, women, and civil society members. The Biennale serves as a platform to implement the ‘Plan of Action for a Culture of Peace in Africa/Let’s Act for Peace’ and supports the commitments of the African Union Agenda 2063, the UN 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the “UNESCO Operational Strategy for the Africa Priority 2022-2029.”