MEDIA ADVISORY

Fourth Edition of the Biennale of Luanda

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

INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

What: 4th Edition of the Biennale of Luanda – Pan-African Forum for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence

THEME: “Strengthening Water Governance in Africa as a Tool for Conflict Prevention, Mediation and Resolution”, in harmony with the AU theme for 2026, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”.

When: 22-23 October 2026, Luanda, Angola.  

Who: The event is jointly organized by the African Union and the Government of the Republic of Angola (the National Biennale Management Office) in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Why: The Biennale of Luanda – Pan-African Forum for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence – promotes the prevention of violence and the resolution of conflicts through cultural exchanges, intergenerational dialogue and cooperation. The fourth edition will focus on how inclusive water governance and shared management of water resources can help prevent tensions and strengthen regional cooperation and lasting peace.

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) provides for future editions of the Forum 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 22–23 October 2026 gathering in Luanda. The Assembly also requested Member States and RECs to include activities related to the Biennale’s theme in implementation of the AU Theme of the Year 2026.

Objective: To advance equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation and inclusive, scientifically informed governance of shared water resources as instruments of conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and sustainable development. The fourth edition will promote water diplomacy, address the links between water scarcity, climate change and displacement, and strengthen the meaningful participation and leadership of women and young people in water governance and peacebuilding.

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

Background:

The first edition of the Biennale of Luanda was held from 18 to 22 September 2019. It celebrated African values, knowledge and cultural diversity as foundations for respect for human rights, non-violence and democratic societies.

The second edition of the Biennale of Luanda took place from 27 November to 2 December 2021 and was celebrated under the African Union's 2021 theme, "Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want".

The third edition of the Biennale of Luanda was held from 22 to 24 November 2023 under the theme “Education, the culture of peace and African citizenship as tools for sustainable development of the continent”. Discussions highlighted young people and women as key actors in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

For more information, visit the Biennale of Luanda webpages @

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

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

Journalists are invited to cover the 4^th Edition of the Biennale of Luanda.

Accordingly, the Multisectoral Commission tasked with preparing, coordinating, and organizing the 4th edition of the Luanda Biennial wishes to reaffirm that the registration period remains open until October 14, 2026, via the link https://www.ciam.gov.ao/ao/credenciais for media outlets interested in following and providing journalistic coverage of this major event.

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For further inquiries, please contact: 

Mr. Wurie Bah | Senior Communication Officer | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | E-mail: Bahw@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

Mr. Abraham Kebede Gizaw | PAPS Digital Communications Officer | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | E-mail: AbrahamK@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africanunion.org I Web: www.au.int  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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