Luanda: Angola places high priority on regional and global peace, prioritizing diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing and peacefully resolving conflicts, President Joo Louren§o said on Thursday. The Angolan president made the statement at the launch of "Building Resilience for Women and Girls, Climate, Conflict and Sustainable Futures," a continental campaign organized by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
According to Angola Press News Agency, highlighting upcoming diplomatic efforts, Joo Louren§o pointed to the 4th Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence - known as the Luanda Biennial - scheduled for October, where he urged strong participation from African women. Building sustainable peace and effective security across Africa requires the full and inclusive involvement of women in all stages of peace processes, he said, noting their crucial role in conflict resolution and continental development.
The Angolan statesman also highlighted the participation of women in the recent United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Summit, held in Luanda under the theme "A Call for Peace, an End to Wars and Respect for International Law". Joo Louren§o noted that the presence of women at the summit highlighted their contribution to strengthening dialogue, tolerance, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence among peoples, in an international context marked by increased conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and humanitarian crises.
He said the participants to the event reaffirmed the commitment to a culture of peace based on multilateralism, solidarity among nations, and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to the challenges affecting humanity. The campaign "Building Resilience for Women and Girls, Climate, Conflict and Sustainable Futures," an initiative led by the First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Louren§o, aims to strengthen the capacity of African women and girls to respond to the effects of climate change, conflict, and humanitarian crises, as well as promote their protection, participation, and empowerment.
Held under the motto "Building Resilience is Ensuring Sustainability for the Future, with Inclusive Participation," the initiative brings together African first ladies, state representatives, partners, civil society organizations, and communities around actions aimed at strengthening the autonomy and responsiveness of women and girls. The First Lady of Angola, who also serves as vice-president of the OAFLAD, Ana Dias Louren§o, has participated in continental initiatives to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
The initiative continues the continental campaign "We Are Equal," which mobilized institutions, partners, and citizens around education for gender equality and the fight against violence against children and young people. The new African agenda focuses on building resilience, peace, inclusion, and creating opportunities for women and girls, recognized as essential agents of sustainable development and community cohesion.
OAFLAD is a continental organization that brings together the First Ladies of African States around initiatives aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of women, young people, and children, with particular attention to vulnerable populations. The group was founded in 2002 as the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS by 37 first ladies across the continent, at a time when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was among Africa's primary public health challenges. Since then, the group has broadened its focus to address wider issues holding back the continent's development.
