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African cultures for peace and security
Created within the framework of the , the Scientific Committee for the Culture of Peace brings together experts, scientists, academics, writers, screenwriters and more, from the 5 regions of the African Union and the Diaspora. Together with UNESCO, the African Union, and the Angolan government, these prominent individuals are wholly committed to the culture of peace in Africa.
The first meeting of the Scientific Committee was held on June 10 and allowed experts to discuss issues that affect the continent, including the links between peace, security, and culture.
The Committee plays an advisory role and offers guidance on the program of the Biennale, as it develops academic reflection, contributing to the identification of good practices, and to the creation of an for the promotion of the culture of peace in Africa.
Based on proposals from the Network of Foundations and Research Institutions for the Promotion of a Culture of Peace, this Committee has a total of 21 representatives from the 5 African regions and the Diaspora, and 3 observer members (UNESCO, the African Union and the Angolan government).
This discussion marked a first stage of reflection in preparation for the 2021 Biennale, where the experts insisted on the importance of making an assessment of the , in order to draw lessons for the second edition to be held from 4 to 8 October 2021.
The meeting also addressed the issue of migration, education for peace, the strong link with culture and creativity, illicit trafficking and the return of cultural goods or the problems affecting youth in Africa. On this occasion, the group affirmed its willingness to promote African cultural diversity and to give a more important place to the diaspora as actors of peace.
The dialogues focused on the need to link peace, security, and cultural institutions on the continent and elsewhere. This subject will be at the heart of the work of 3 institutions : the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), the Institute for Peace and Security Studies of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia (IPSS), and the Network of Foundations and Research Institutions for the Promotion of a Culture of Peace in Africa.
The Committee agreed to prepare, with the support and expertise of the members, a publication devoted to the link between culture and education, particularly the contribution of culture to peace education through African epistemology, with a particular focus on endogenous African knowledge and philosophies and the creation of its own narrative. This work will be based on contributions from members of the Scientific Committee, and a working group established by the Committee will be responsible for developing and refining its content.
Finally, through the , the Committee will launch a call for the mobilization of partners engaged in the promotion of a culture of peace on the continent, in the various academic fields and research networks.
The Committee, which is expected to meet again before the 2021 Biennale, will continue the dialogue and exchange on issues related to the culture of peace in Africa.
To learn more about the group, and to watch this first meeting click .
To find out more about the Biennale of Luanda 2021, click .
