The « Culture of peace» concept was first defined in Africa, during the International Congress on «Peace in the Minds of Men», organized by UNESCO in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, in 1989.

According to the definition adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, a Culture of Peace consists “of values, attitudes and behaviors 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 endeavor to prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation and that guarantee the full exercise of all rights and the means to participate fully in the development process of their society”1.

In Africa, the concept of a Culture of Peace is rooted in the values, belief systems and forms of spirituality, local knowledge and technologies, traditions and forms of cultural and artistic expression that contribute to the respect of human rights, cultural diversity, solidarity and the rejection of violence to build democratic societies.

The idea of launching the Biennale for a Culture of Peace draws its inspiration from the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance2, which advocates that culture is the most effective mean for enabling Africa to increase its share of worldwide scientific production and overcome the challenges of globalization.

The Biennale of Luanda in few words:

An African encounter for peace:

• A platform for promoting cultural diversity and African unity
• A place conducive to international and intra-African cultural exchanges
• A special meeting that brings together - every two years - actors and partners of a Pan-African movement for the prevention of violence and conflict and the consolidation of peace

Main objective: to grow the Pan-African Movement for a culture of peace and non-violence through the establishment of partnerships involving:

• Governments
• Civil society
• Artistic and scientific community
• Private sector
• International organizations

Format: 5 days every two years in Luanda, capital of Angola, around 3 poles:

• Partners Forum: Alliance for Africa
• Forum of Ideas / Youth Forum / Women Forum
• Festival of cultures

Edition 2019: 18 - 22 September