Luanda: United Nations Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos on Wednesday praised Angolan President Joo Lourenço's leadership in promoting peace and mediating conflicts. Speaking to the press following an audience with the Angolan Head of State, in Luanda, Moratinos cited the country's experience as an example that dialogue is the only path to overcoming war. According to Angola Press News Agency, Moratinos, who also serves as the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), emphasized that this commitment will be reaffirmed during the initiative's third edition, taking place in Luanda on Thursday and Friday. The event is expected to convey "a very strong message" advocating for an end to wars, the silencing of weapons, and the building of a more peaceful world. Moratinos recalled that, following decades of civil war, Angola has managed to transform itself into a dynamic country undergoing reconstruction and constant progress, demonstrating that "peace is the only s olution to conflicts." He pointed out that, in addition to achieving internal stability, the country has played a significant role in mediating conflicts within the region and across the African continent-an effort that, he stated, deserves recognition from the international community. He further explained that the UN-sponsored initiative aims to reinforce the global call for peace, an end to wars, and respect for international law. He noted that previous editions were held in Gernika-a Spanish city that serves as a symbol of the bombings during the Spanish Civil War-and in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, a city marked by one of contemporary Europe's most violent conflicts. In his view, the choice of Luanda to host the third edition represents recognition of Angola's progress in consolidating peace and of its leadership's ability to mobilize the international community around conflict prevention and resolution. 'We must save the planet, but we must also save humanity,' stated the senior Spanish official servi ng the United Nations. Miguel Ángel Moratinos is in Luanda to participate in the 3rd edition of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) initiative, held under the theme 'Call for Peace, an End to Wars, and Respect for International Law.' The event, taking place on July 16 and 17, brings together representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society with the aim of strengthening dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and the commitment to building a more just and peaceful world founded on respect for international law.
