The 4th Edition of the Biennale of Luanda – Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence

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Dates: 22–23 October 2026

Venue: Luanda, Republic of Angola

Theme: “Strengthening Water Governance in Africa as a Tool for Conflict Prevention, Mediation and Resolution”

Teaser - 4th edition of the Biennale of Luanda

Overview

The 4th Edition of the Biennale of Luanda – Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence – will take place in Luanda, Angola, on 22–23 October 2026. Jointly organised by the African Union (AU) and the Government of the Republic of Angola, through the National Biennale Management Office, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Biennale promotes the prevention of violence and the resolution of conflicts through cultural exchanges, intergenerational dialogue and cooperation.

Under the theme “Strengthening Water Governance in Africa as a Tool for Conflict Prevention, Mediation and Resolution,” the 2026 edition will examine how inclusive water governance and the shared management of water resources can help prevent tensions, strengthen regional cooperation and advance lasting peace across the continent.

Aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems, the Biennale will highlight the role of equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as inclusive, scientifically informed governance of shared water resources, as instruments for conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

Objectives and Strategic Focus

The fourth edition aims to advance water diplomacy, promote cooperation over shared water resources and strengthen the role of water governance in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Discussions will address the interconnections between water scarcity, climate change and displacement, while promoting the meaningful participation and leadership of women and young people in water governance and peacebuilding processes.

Through these priorities, the Biennale seeks to reinforce the contribution of effective water governance to regional cooperation, conflict prevention and the advancement of a Culture of Peace in Africa.

Institutional and Policy Framework

The Biennale is anchored in Assembly Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.558(XXIV) (2015), which provides its institutional foundation. Assembly Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.895(XXXVII) (2024) stipulates that future editions of the Forum are to be held in October.

In February 2026, the Executive Council, through Decision EX.CL/Dec.1339(XLVIII), called for the active participation of AU Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Subsequently, the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, through Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.971(XXXIX), confirmed the fourth edition, its theme and the dates of 22–23 October 2026 in Luanda. The Assembly also called on Member States and RECs to incorporate activities related to the Biennale’s theme into the implementation of the AU Theme of the Year 2026.

Contribution to Continental and Global Agendas

The 2026 Biennale supports the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. It also contributes to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, including the Silencing the Guns by 2030 initiative, and UNESCO’s Operational Strategy for Priority Africa (2022–2029).

By connecting inclusive water governance with conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding, the Biennale provides a platform for advancing shared approaches to sustainable development, regional cooperation and a culture of non-violence.

Previous Editions of the Luanda Biennale

Since its inaugural edition in 2019, the Biennale of Luanda has provided a continental platform for promoting a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence through dialogue, cultural exchange and cooperation.

• First Edition | 18–22 September 2019: Celebrated African values, knowledge and cultural diversity as foundations for respect for human rights, non-violence and democratic societies.

• Second Edition | 27 November–2 December 2021: Held under the African Union’s 2021 theme, “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want.”

• Third Edition | 22–24 November 2023: Convened under the theme “Education, the culture of peace and African citizenship as tools for sustainable development of the continent.” Discussions highlighted women and young people as key actors in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

Building on the outcomes of these editions, the fourth Biennale will further advance the role of inclusive water governance and cooperation over shared water resources as instruments for preventing conflict, strengthening regional partnerships and sustaining peace across Africa.

For more information, visit the UNESCO and Biennale of Luanda webpages @

https://www.unesco.org/en/biennaleluanda

https://www.bienaldeluanda.gov.ao/

Additional Documents

Water for Peace: 4th Biennale of Luanda to place water governance at the heart of peacebuilding in Africa

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/water-peace-4th-biennale-luanda-place-water-governance-heart-peacebuilding-africa

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