Cape Verde Proposes ‘Creoleness’ as Global Peace Model
In an era marked by rising global tension and fragmentation, Cape Verde is stepping onto the world stage to propose its own unique history as a blueprint for peace. Starting this Thursday, the archipelago will host the “Meeting on Atlantic Creoleness,” a three-day international summit aimed at positioning “creoleness” (crioulidade) as a global model for coexistence and mutual respect.
Turning Trauma into Triumphs
Organized by the Presidency of Cape Verde and hosted at the University of Cape Verde in Praia, the summit explores how societies born from “traumatic encounters”—such as the Atlantic slave trade and colonialism—successfully transformed adversity into vibrant, innovative cultures. According to event organizers, these Creole societies developed unique languages, artistic expressions, and resilient ways of living that can offer lessons to a fractured modern world.
Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves, who is championing the event in his capacity as the African Union leader for the Preservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage, views the meeting as a defining moment for the nation as it approaches a milestone anniversary. “After celebrating 50 years of independence in 2025, Cape Verde wants to assert itself as a natural place of convergence,” Neves stated. “We are an archipelago that, through its history and vocation, knew how to make the sea not a limit, but a bridge.”
A High-Level Global Dialogue
The summit has attracted high-profile international attention. The opening session will feature Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations. Additionally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Portuguese President António José Seguro will deliver video messages to the delegates.
The meeting is built upon three strategic pillars:
- Academic Dialogue: Scholarly debates on the role of creoleness in shaping Atlantic modernity.
- Cultural Showcases: Exhibitions of fashion, music, and gastronomy that highlight the region’s diverse heritage.
- The Praia Declaration: A formal manifesto that will affirm creoleness as a “living heritage” and a platform for future international cooperation.
Building Bridges Across the Atlantic
The event program goes beyond the lecture hall, taking international delegations to historical sites such as Cidade Velha—the nation’s “cradle” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. By showcasing its roots, Cape Verde hopes to prove that diverse identities can coexist and thrive together.
Running under the motto “Building bridges, building a better future,” the summit aims to redefine the geography of the region. As President Neves noted, the ultimate goal of the meeting is to remind the international community that “the Atlantic does not separate us, it unites us.”
Image: Pexels – Piotrek Wilk
