UN Praises Angolan President as Luanda Hosts Peace Summit
In a world increasingly fractured by conflict, the United Nations has turned its spotlight on Angola as a beacon of reconciliation. UN Under-Secretary-General Miguel Moratinos praised Angolan President João Lourenço on Monday, hailing his “commitment and leadership” in spearheading peace initiatives during a period of global instability.
A Global Cry for Peace
Speaking in Luanda ahead of the 3rd United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) summit, Moratinos—who also serves as the UN Special Envoy for Combating Islamophobia—emphasized the symbolic importance of the host city. He noted that Angola serves as a powerful example of transformation, having successfully moved from decades of devastating civil war to becoming a dynamic, progressing nation.
“This peace summit will send a very strong message in favor of ending weapons and wars, to make the world peaceful,” Moratinos told reporters following a meeting with President Lourenço. He noted that Luanda joins Guernica and Sarajevo—cities historically defined by their survival of conflict—as the third location for this global “cry for peace.”
Addressing the Scourge of Mercenarism
The summit, which officially opens Thursday, aims to tackle the root causes of modern instability. Dionísio da Fonseca, Minister of State and Head of the Civil House, revealed that the agenda will specifically address the rising threat of mercenaries, particularly in Africa.
“One of the great evils in the chapter of wars across the world is the use of mercenaries recruited to provoke unconstitutional changes,” Da Fonseca said, noting that a dedicated panel will debate the impact of mercenarism on social cohesion.
A High-Level Gathering
The summit will feature speeches from President Lourenço, the President of the African Union Commission, and a message from the UN Secretary-General. Invitations have been extended to regional leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Namibia, Liberia, Cape Verde, and the Republic of Congo.
Key sessions on Friday will pivot toward the future of diplomacy, focusing on the critical roles that religious leaders, youth, and women play in preventing conflict. The event is set to conclude with the adoption of the Luanda Declaration, a document intended to pressure global powers to prioritize the preservation of human life over geopolitical aggression.
“Under the leadership of the President, we move towards a much more peaceful and tolerant world,” Moratinos stated. “We must save the planet and humanity.”
Image: Pexels – Cardoso Lopes Lopes
