Luanda:The fourth edition of the Luanda Biennale, an event dedicated to enhancing water governance in Africa as a means for conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution, opens today. The biennale will run until Friday and gathers representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society in the Angolan capital.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the biennale is a collaborative initiative by the Angolan Government, the African Union (AU), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It aims to promote a culture of peace and cooperation in the sustainable management of water resources. The opening ceremony will include an address by President João Lourenço and messages from the African Union High Representative for the Silencing the Guns Initiative, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, and UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany.
This year's theme, 'Strengthening Water Governance in Africa as a Tool for Conflict Prevention, Mediation and Resolution,' emphasizes the intersection of water resources, peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent. The first day's schedule features a high-level intergenerational dialogue on inclusive governance, with heads of state, young African leaders, and diaspora representatives. It will be followed by a panel discussion on water, peace, and cross-border cooperation.
Discussions throughout the event will cover topics such as water diplomacy, regional integration, and mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, with contributions from African government officials, diplomats, and experts. The second day will focus on community participation in water governance, human rights, climate change, migration, climate resilience, and investment in water infrastructure and human capital development.
The biennale will conclude with the adoption of the 2026 Luanda Biennale Declaration and a final communiqué by the African Union, UNESCO, and the Angolan Government. Launched in 2019, the Luanda Biennale seeks to bolster the pan-African movement for peace and non-violence through dialogue and cultural diversity, with each edition addressing different aspects vital to Africa's development.
