Creating Ownership Towards the Realization of the Silencing the Guns Roadmap using Arts, Culture and Heritage as Vehicles
UNITAR
At UNITAR, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts to ignite peace and drive positive change. Arts, culture, and heritage play a pivotal role in uniting people, fostering inclusivity, and shaping community attitudes, particularly among women and youth. When effectively harnessed, they become potent tools for sustainable peace and development from the grassroots up.
Our collaboration with the African Union Commission's Silencing the Guns Unit embodies this vision through the project "Leveraging Arts for Peace: Creating Ownership towards the Realization of the Silencing the Guns Roadmap using Arts, Culture, and Heritage as Vehicles." This initiative builds upon the success of our high-level event in Accra, Ghana, dedicated to exploring the nexus between culture, arts, heritage, and sustainable peace in Africa.
As a crucial step towards implementation, UNITAR conducted a virtual training session from September 18th to 22nd, 2023, bringing together 16 African artists from 11 countries. Equipped with the tools and knowledge to harness art for peace, these participants now fill a vital gap in effective peace advocacy amidst the region's challenges.
UNITAR
Looking ahead, we aim to expand this pilot training to further empower African creatives in their grassroots peacebuilding efforts. By enhancing their capacity and providing ongoing support, we seek to amplify their impact and promote positive change within their communities.
To realize the full potential of this project, partnership is key. We are actively seeking funding opportunities and collaboration pathways to silence the guns and foster lasting peace across the African continent. Join us in this transformative journey towards a brighter, more peaceful future for all.