The first edition of the Luanda Biennial-Pan African Forum for the Culture of Peace, was opened Wednesday in Luanda under the auspices of UNESCO, Angola and African Union.

The edition of the Biennale taking place from Sept. 18 to 22 is part of UNESCO's operational strategy for Priority Africa (2014-2021) which aims to provide“African responses to the transformations that affect African economies and societies.”

Speaking in the opening ceremony of the event, the African Union Commission President Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted the importance of ensuring the integrity, prosperity and establishment of lasting peace in Africa.

Moussa Faki Mahamat urged Africans to collectively engage in peace efforts underlining that without peace there will be no development in the continent.

The role of the media in promoting peace was also an issue raised by the AU Commission President in his address.

The Biennale of Luanda is based on three axes: Partners’ Forum, Forum of Ideas/Youth Forum/Women’s Forum, and a Festival of Cultures.

The five-day event brings together representatives of governments, civil society, the arts, sciences and international organizations, providing a platform for reflection and dissemination of artistic works, ideas and knowledge pertaining to promotion of the culture of peace in the continent.