29 September 2026
Last update:5 October 2026
The 2026 edition will focus on the role of water governance in preventing conflicts, strengthening regional cooperation and advancing a Culture of Peace in Africa. It is aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems.
UNESCO brings longstanding scientific and policy expertise on water to the Biennale. Through theUnited Nations World Water Development Report, UNESCO contributes evidence and analysis on water availability, access, governance and climate pressures worldwide. In Africa, water remains central to livelihoods and economic development: agriculture accounts for around 79% of freshwater withdrawals, while access to basic drinking water and sanitation services remains insufficient.
This combination of scientific knowledge and capacity development around shared water reas a tool for conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding
Discussions at the 4th edition of the Biennale of Luanda will be structured around four main areas:
- water, peace and cross-border cooperation;
- water governance and scientific citizenship;
- water, climate change and migration;
- and investment in water and capacity development.
Programme highlights
Thursday, 22 October 2026
The official opening will include a welcome message by Dionisio Manuel da Fonseca, Minister of State and Head of the Civil Household of the President of the Republic of Angola, special addresses by Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, followed by the opening address of João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola.
11:10 am – High-Level Intergenerational Dialogue
Under the theme “Inclusive Governance: Uniting Generations to Ensure Sustainable Water Supply and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the dialogue will bring together Heads of State and Government and young leaders from Africa and the diaspora.
2:40 pm – Panel I: Water, Peace and Cross-Border Cooperation
The session will address conflict prevention, mediation and resolution through water diplomacy, regional integration and a Culture of Peace, with the participation of ministers, representatives of regional institutions, UNESCO and UN-Water.
Friday, 23 October 2026
9:30 am – Panel II: Water Governance and Scientific Citizenship
The panel will focus on community participation, women and youth inclusion, and respect for human rights, bringing together government representatives, UNESCO, regional institutions and experts.
11:10 am – Panel III: Water, Climate Change and Migration
Discussions will address climate resilience, adaptation, extreme-risk management and the water-climate-conflict nexus in relation to migration and internal displacement.
2:40 pm – Panel IV: Investments in Water and Training
The final panel will focus on infrastructure, human capital, capacity building, innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships for water management.
The Biennale will conclude with the Declaration of the 4th Edition of the Luanda Biennale – 2026 and a final communiqué by the African Union, UNESCO and the Government of Angola.
