A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law — Luanda, Angola
Throughout history, humanity has endured recurring cycles of confrontation, war, and division, leaving behind a profound legacy of suffering and instability. Even with the efforts of countless leaders, communities, and movements that championed peace, violent conflict has continued to shape societies across generations. The devastation witnessed during the First and Second World Wars, events that cost millions of lives and upended the global order, served as a turning point and prompted the creation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945, with a central mission to safeguard international peace and security.
In the decades since, the world has made significant progress in reducing large-scale interstate wars. Yet recent years have seen a troubling rise in unresolved crises, internal conflicts, and new forms of global tension. Technological shifts, misinformation, geopolitical competition, and widening social and economic inequalities have contributed to a climate of uncertainty and mistrust. At the same time, investment in military capabilities continues to outpace investment in peacebuilding, social cohesion, and prevention efforts, creating an imbalance that challenges the global commitment to a culture of peace. As communities around the world struggle with the human toll of violence, displacement, and polarization, public frustration and despair have grown. These realities highlight an urgent need to re-examine our collective approaches and to strengthen a renewed, forward-looking vision centered on dialogue, cooperation, and sustainable peace.
Thursday, 16 July 2026:
The Alliance of Peace Summit
Venue: Protocol Pavilion of the Presidency of the Republic of Angola
Friday, 17 July 2026:
Interactive Thematic Roundtables
Venue: Protocol Pavilion of the Presidency of the Republic of Angola
The Role of Religious and Faith Leaders in Promoting Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence
Youth as Partners in Prevention: Building a Culture of Peace for Future Generations
Women Mediators at the Frontlines of Peace: Strengthening Inclusive Approaches to Dialogue
Contemporary Conflict Dynamics: Addressing the Impact of Mercenary Activities on Peace, Security and Social Cohesion
The Initiative: A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law
In this context, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) proposed the creation of an “Alliance for Peace,” during its 9th Global Forum in Fez, Morocco, which was then reaffirmed at the subsequent Global Forums in Cascais, Portugal, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
In 2025, UNAOC and Religions for Peace have jointly organized two editions of the initiative “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law” aiming to amplify their condemnation against war while fostering a message of peace and upholding respect for international law. A symbolic launch of the initiative took place in Gernika, Spain, in April 2025, on the 88th anniversary of its bombing. The second chapter of the initiative continued with an event in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2025, another example of an historically bombed city highlighting the devastating consequences of war and a living reminder of the need and urgency behind the initiative “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, and Respect for International Law.” The gathering in Gernika and Sarajevo featured interactive discussions and poignant interventions from political leaders, government officials, religious leaders, youth advocates, civil society representatives, and various stakeholders, all championing the cause of peace.
Luanda: From Conflict to Governance as a Platform for Global Peace Dialogue
Luanda stands as a national capital shaped by both its history and its long-term commitment to building and sustaining peace. As Angola’s political and institutional center, the city reflects a broader national journey from past instability toward consolidation, resilience, and steady engagement at national, regional, and international levels. Hosting the third iteration of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law” in Luanda situates the initiative within a context where building peace is not only a historical memory, but an ongoing institutional and diplomatic process.
Angola’s past included periods of conflict that influenced many aspects of society. In the years that followed, the country embarked on a multifaceted transition focused on reconciliation, institution-building, and national recovery. Luanda has been central to these efforts since it is where political frameworks were negotiated, governance systems restored, and national policies designed to support stability and social cohesion.
In this sense, Luanda symbolizes the governance dimension of peacebuilding. It illustrates how peace is sustained through institutions and political processes over time. Convening the initiative in Luanda provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of efforts towards achieving peace, including the rebuilding of state institutions, the promotion of inclusive political participation, and the importance of building trust across all segments of society. Beyond its national role, Luanda has increasingly served as a platform for regional diplomacy and engagement underscoring the importance of dialogue, mediation and diplomacy. In recent years, Angola has contributed to peace and dialogue efforts within the Great Lakes region, particularly focused to ease tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These initiatives underscore the country’s broader commitment to dialogue as a tool for addressing shared challenges.
Against this backdrop, Luanda offers a relevant setting for advancing dialogue on the principles underpinning the initiative. The Angola chapter of the “Call for Peace, the End of Wars, and Respect for International Law” initiative will be jointly organized by UNAOC and the Republic of Angola, and will bring together political leaders, government officials, religious leaders, youth advocates, civil society actors, and international partners to exchange perspectives on the importance of pursuing and sustaining peace.
An Urgent Call to Action
“A Call for Peace, the End of Wars, and Respect for International Law” is an urgent call for humanity to put an end to the vicious cycle of violence and destruction that has pervaded in recent history. By uniting global stakeholders and engaging communities most affected by conflict, this initiative aims to amplify the pursuit of a peaceful future for the next generations. Through diplomacy, collaboration, and dialogue, it envisions a world where peace prevails over war.
Format:
The event will feature dynamic dialogues and powerful contributions from political leaders, government officials, religious figures, youth advocates, civil society actors, and other key stakeholders, all united in advancing the global agenda for peace. The major segments are as follows:
Thursday, 16 July 2026: The Alliance of Peace Summit
Venue: Protocol Pavilion of the Presidency of the Republic of Angola
The two-day gathering will officially open with the “Alliance of Peace Summit”. Organized by the Government of Angola, the Summit will convene current and former Heads of State and Government, and other distinguished international figures to reflect on the global call for peace, the end of wars, and respect for international law.
To be inaugurated by H.E. Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, the Summit will serve as a platform for high-level discussions on the challenges to international peace and security, and for the exchange of experiences on conflict resolution, reconciliation, and sustainable peacebuilding.
A number of the invited leaders represent nations that have endured the devastating effects of armed conflict and subsequently achieved peace and stability. Their participation will provide authoritative and credible testimony on the human cost of war, the value of reconciliation, and the transformative impact of peacebuilding.
The Republic of Angola exemplifies this experience. Following decades of civil war (1975–2002), Angola achieved peace through national dialogue and understanding and continues to advance reconciliation and development. Similar experiences among invited leaders will enrich discussions and demonstrate that lasting peace is achievable through mutual understanding and collective commitment. Their statements will strengthen a collective call for peace, stability, and international cooperation.
The Luanda Joint Statement, to be adopted on 16 July, will serve as a powerful statement reflecting broad geopolitical diversity and a shared commitment to ending conflict, promoting dialogue, and upholding the principles of international law that underpin global peace and security.
Friday, 17 July 2026: Interactive Thematic Roundtables
Venue: Protocol Pavilion of the Presidency of the Republic of Angola
Building on the outcomes of the Alliance of Peace Summit, the second day of the “Call for Peace” gathering will be dedicated to a series of interactive roundtable discussions involving youth representatives, civil society organizations, women leaders, academics, and other key stakeholders.
The Role of Religious and Faith Leaders in Promoting Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence
Religious leaders often serve as trusted figures able to defuse tensions and foster social cohesion. This session will explore interfaith collaboration as a tool for conflict prevention and reconciliation. It will also highlight how faith based actors can support peace education, community dialogue, and humanitarian principles.
Youth as Partners in Prevention: Building a Culture of Peace for Future Generations
Youth are essential actors in shaping peaceful and inclusive societies. This session will explore how young people contribute to dialogue, conflict prevention, and resilience within their communities. It will highlight opportunities to strengthen youth leadership, participation, and partnerships in peacebuilding efforts.
Women Mediators at the Frontlines of Peace: Strengthening Inclusive Approaches to Dialogue
Women play a pivotal role as mediators and bridge builders in preventing and resolving conflicts at community, national, and regional levels. This session will examine how women’s leadership enhances the effectiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability of mediation processes. It will explore strategies to expand women’s participation in formal and informal mediation, drawing on practical experiences and innovative models of inclusive dialogue.
Contemporary Conflict Dynamics : Addressing the Impact of Mercenary Activities on Peace, Security and Social Cohesion
The panel will examine the current dynamics of mercenary activities and their impact on peace, security, and social cohesion, with particular focus on the African context. Speakers will address challenges, including gaps in international legal frameworks, and discuss practical steps to strengthen multilateral cooperation, accountability, and conflict prevention.
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