On 27 November, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Tetteh attended the Luanda Biennial – Pan African Forum for the Culture of Peace organised in partnership between UNESCO, the Government of Angola and the African Union. The Biennale of Luanda aims to promote the prevention of violence and the resolution of conflict by encouraging cultural exchanges in Africa, dialogue between generations and the promotion of gender equality all aimed to support the building of a culture of peace. The Biennale is also a space for reflection and the dissemination of artistic works, ideas and best practices related to the culture of peace. The event brought together representatives of governments, civil society, the artistic and scientific community and international organizations.

SRSG Tetteh was invited to deliver a keynote address at the opening of the Biennale which was also attended and addressed by the President of Angola, H.E. Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco; the President of the Republic of Congo, H.E. Denis Sassou Nguesso; the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo; The President of Portugal, H.E Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo De Sousa; the President of Sao Tomé, H.E Carlos Vila Nova; and the Vice President of Costa Rica H.E Epsy Alejandra Campbell. The Chairperson of the AUC was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Madam Josefa Correia Sacko who also delivered an address on his behalf.

During SRSG Tetteh’s keynote address she emphasized the African Union theme for the year and the arts and creative industries transformative power and importance in building and nurturing a culture of peace. She stressed the importance of leveraging heritage and culture in developing inclusive peacebuilding processes and in post conflict reconstruction and development going forward. She highlighted the importance of entrenching a culture of peace by supporting institutions that facilitate such efforts. On the margins of her visit to Luanda, SRSG Tetteh had an opportunity to engage the Foreign Minister of Angola, H.E. Tete Antonio and the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and current Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the AU, H.E. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi respectively in separate bilateral meetings.