Luanda: Participants in the 3rd edition of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) initiative, taking place in Luanda on the 16th and 17th of this month, will dedicate the event's first day to the historical memory of Angola's pacification process.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Minister of State and Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Dionsio Manuel da Fonseca, presented the event program, highlighting a tribute to the Unknown Soldier. This tribute will include the laying of a wreath at the monument erected in his honor in downtown Luanda. The third edition of the UNAOC initiative will gather heads of state, international organizations, religious leaders, and civil society representatives to reinforce the commitment to peace and coexistence among peoples.
The Minister of State noted that the event program, themed "Call for Peace, the End of Wars, and Respect for International Law," also includes a visit to the World Peace Bell, from where a message addressed to the peoples of all continents will be broadcast. On that same day, the agenda also includes a visit to the National Museum of Military History to reflect on the journey of reconciliation and peace consolidation in Angola.
The formal opening session, scheduled for this Thursday afternoon, will feature addresses by heads of state, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Miguel ngel Moratinos, who will convey a message from the United Nations Secretary-General. The final day of the summit will focus on thematic panels discussing the role of religious leaders, youth, and women in conflict prevention and the promotion of global peace and stability.
The debates will also address the phenomenon of mercenarism, considered a factor that fuels armed conflicts and facilitates unconstitutional changes of government, particularly in Africa. The summit's conclusion will likely see participants approving the Luanda Declaration, urging major world powers to uphold peace, preserve human life, respect international law, foster peaceful coexistence among states, and honor human dignity.
At a press conference, Miguel ngel Moratinos, who also serves as the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, explained the decision to host the initiative's third edition in Luanda. He stated that this choice reflects international recognition of Angola's journey toward peace consolidation and its growing role as a conflict mediator in Africa. Moratinos noted that the initiative began in Guernica, Spain, continued in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has now arrived in Luanda, a city symbolizing reconstruction, reconciliation, and recovery following decades of civil war.
The diplomat emphasized Angola's demonstration of transforming war-induced suffering into an opportunity for peace, national unity, and development. He highlighted President Joo Louren§o's efforts in promoting peace across the African continent through conflict mediation and diplomacy, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Miguel ngel Moratinos revealed that the decision to hold the summit in Luanda was a proposal presented to the Angolan Head of State during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which was accepted by national authorities. The UN official warned of the influence of the "war lobby," fueled by military industry investments, and advocated for strengthening a "peace lobby" engaging governments, businesses, international organizations, and citizens.
Citing President Joo Louren§o, he reiterated that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation rather than force. He expressed hope that during the summit, Luanda will resonate with the "drums of peace" in a world where armed conflicts persist.
