The decision for the Biennale was preceded by the “Pan African Forum on the Sources and Resources for a Culture of Peace” convened in Luanda by the government of Angola and UNESCO in March 2013 and a second international conference , again in Luanda in December 2016.

The agreement to establish the forums on a regular biennial basis was signed by Edouard Matoko on behalf of UNESCO in December 2018 and the official announcement was made in February at a ceremony where UNESCO was represented by Enzo Fazzino.

The first Luanda Biennale was held September 18-22, 2019, and addressed by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. It included a Partners’ Forum, Alliance for Africa, a Forum of Ideas and a Festival of Cultures.

Click on image to go to an article about the Biennale of 2021

The most successful Biennale took place 27 November to 2 December 2021. Speakers included UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, African Union President Félix Tshisekedi and the President of Angola João G. Lourenço. 180 participants on the opening day included representatives of ICESCO, the Regional Economic Commissions (RECs), technical and financial partners as well as representatives of the United Nations system from over 60 countries. 120 Young Leaders participated from all African countries and representatives of the Diaspora, of which 9 were present in Luanda and the others virtually. The full programme is available here.

The 2021 Biennale featured a Festival of Cultures with 44 countries represented in Virtual Pavilions showcasing rich content on cultural diversity and examples of national initiatives, as well as partners and associated personalities. It included a rich selection of films and shows on the themes of the culture of peace.

The 2021 Biennale was organized in a new and unique format with an Intergenerational Dialogue by which youth from Africa and the Diaspora debated with Ministers of Youth and Culture on the importance of cultural and heritage diversity of Africa and its Diasporas to promote the culture of peace in the continent.

Click on image to go to an article about the Biennale of 2023

The Biennale of 2023 brought together 790 participants from different African countries in a hybrid format, combining face-to-face and virtual events. It advocated the establishment of partnerships between political leaders and young people, in sustainable social and economic projects, which could benefit society as a whole. Its second day was devoted to the role of women in peace processes. Again, many young Africans testified that they will carry forward the message of a culture of peace.

A Bienalle for 2025 was proposed by the African Union in their assembly of February 2024, but for reasons that have never been explained, the Forum did not take place.