. . SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT . .
An article from UNESCO
The 4th edition of the Biennale of Luanda – Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence will take place on 22 and 23 October 2026 in Luanda, Angola, under the theme “Strengthening Water Governance in Africa as a Tool for Conflict Prevention, Mediation, and Resolution.”
The 2026 edition will focus on the role of water governance in preventing conflicts, strengthening regional cooperation and advancing a Culture of Peace in Africa. It is aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems.
UNESCO brings longstanding scientific and policy expertise on water to the Biennale. Through the United Nations World Water Development Report, UNESCO contributes evidence and analysis on water availability, access, governance and climate pressures worldwide. In Africa, water remains central to livelihoods and economic development: agriculture accounts for around 79% of freshwater withdrawals, while access to basic drinking water and sanitation services remains insufficient.
This combination of scientific knowledge and capacity development around shared water resources directly informs the Biennale’s focus on water governance as a tool for conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.
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Can the African Union help bring a culture of peace to Africa?
The Luanda Biennale: What is its contribution to a culture of peace in Africa?
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Discussions at the 4th edition of the Biennale of Luanda will be structured around four main areas:
° water, peace and cross-border cooperation;
° water governance and scientific citizenship;
° water, climate change and migration;
° and investment in water and capacity development.
As part of the Biennale of Luanda 2026, the parallel thematic sessions will bring together UNESCO Chairs, African and international universities, policymakers, scientific and technology experts, representatives of regional and international organisations, educators, media and information literacy specialists, and peacebuilding practitioners.
Across two days, the discussions will connect expertise in artificial intelligence and ethical governance, digital citizenship and media and information literacy, international water cooperation, peace education and conflict prevention, with a particular focus on African perspectives and partnerships.
All sessions will be accessible through Zoom link
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