Introduction

29 May 2025 | 14:00 to 17:00 (SAST) | Zoom

Africa Day, observed annually on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU). It celebrates Africa’s rich heritage, diversity, and the ongoing quest for unity and development across the continent. In line with this, the theme for the 2025 Africa Day webinar will be: “The Role of Culture in Shaping Positive Societal Transformation.” This year’s commemoration will explore the pivotal role of culture in influencing societal values, promoting social cohesion, and fostering peace and justice in Africa’s ongoing transformation.

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation is pleased to host a virtual webinar on this important occasion. The event aims to highlight how Africa’s cultural heritage, traditions, and creative industries can serve as powerful catalysts for addressing contemporary challenges such as conflict, inequality, and political instability, while also reinforcing good governance and fostering sustainable development and peace.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this Africa Day webinar are to:

• Reflect on the transformative power of culture: Examine how culture and the arts contribute to shaping societal attitudes and values, and how they can be used to address pressing issues such as conflict resolution, social cohesion, and economic development.
• Discuss the link between culture and social justice: Explore how cultural expressions, heritage preservation, and creative industries can support justice initiatives and promote peace-building efforts across the continent.
• Highlight the role of cultural actors in societal transformation: Showcase the work of African artists, activists, cultural leaders, and educators in leveraging culture to challenge inequality, promote human rights, and inspire action for positive change.
• Promote cross-sectoral collaboration: Facilitate discussions that foster partnerships between cultural institutions, civil society, governments, and the private sector in advancing the role of culture in societal transformation.

Theme and Key Messages

The webinar will address the following thematic areas:

• Cultural Preservation and Identity: The role of culture in preserving African identities and histories, particularly in post-colonial and post-conflict settings.
• Culture and Social Cohesion: How cultural practices can foster social cohesion in multi-ethnic and post-conflict societies, promoting unity and solidarity.
• Creative Industries and Economic Transformation: Exploring the potential of Africa’s creative industries, including music, film, fashion, and literature, in driving economic development and job creation.
• Culture as a Tool for Peace-Building and Conflict Resolution: Examining how cultural expressions, such as art, music, and storytelling, can facilitate dialogue and healing in communities affected by conflict and violence.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the webinar, the following outcomes are expected:

• A deeper understanding of the transformative power of culture in African societies.
• Concrete recommendations for integrating culture into African development agendas, including peace-building, economic growth, and governance.
• Strengthened networks and partnerships between cultural practitioners, policymakers, civil society, and international actors.
• Increased public awareness of the importance of cultural heritage and creative industries in shaping a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.

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