The day before, the heads of state of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, and of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova, arrived in this capital to take part in the Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace and Nonviolence, which runs until November 24. .
Both dignitaries were received by Angolan Foreign Minister Téte Antonio, who earlier also welcomed the Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea, Manuela Roka Botey, and the Vice President of Namibia, Nangolo Mbumba.
The opening of the Biennale will be attended by these and other prominent figures from the African continent, including the former President of Nigeria, Olusengu Obasanjo; from Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, and from Malawi, Joyce Banda.
Angolan leader João Lourenço leads the list of speakers at the forum, which will also include African Union (AU) chiefs Azali Assoumani; and by the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the AU Adviser, Kgalema Motlanthe.
The event is expected to bring together around 850 people from 63 countries to address violence prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts based on education, cultural exchange and intergenerational dialogue.
This is where personalities from the continent and the diaspora meet, as well as representatives of civil society and young Africans.
The event’s agenda includes six panels, of which this Wednesday’s high-level panel is dedicated to young people as actors in promoting a culture of peace and social change on the continent.
Other topics to be addressed will include technology and education as tools to achieve gender equality; the role of women in peace, security and development processes; and the process of transforming education systems: innovative practices and financing in the African context.
Also the challenges and opportunities of integrating the African continent and the prospects for economic growth; in addition to climate change and the associated ethical challenges, also its effects, adaptation and vulnerability to this phenomenon.
The Luanda Biennale will also include several parallel events, from artistic presentations and cultural activities to meetings of religious institutions.
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