BUJUMBURA, Burundi — UNESCO is preparing a new initiative in Burundi that will use culture and community dialogue to support trauma healing and strengthen social cohesion.

The groundwork for the programme was carried out in Bujumbura from July 27 to 31, 2026, under UNESCO’s Dialogue Spaces and Support for Trauma Healing in Burundi project.

The initiative is designed to create spaces where communities can engage in dialogue and cultural activities while addressing the social impact of past experiences.

UNESCO says the programme will include activities aimed at encouraging community participation, dialogue and healing, placing culture at the centre of efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen peaceful relationships.

The initiative gives Burundi’s cultural sector a broader role beyond artistic expression, linking heritage, community engagement and social cohesion.

The programme could provide a new platform for Burundian communities to use cultural expression as a tool for dialogue and reconciliation, while creating opportunities for local cultural actors to participate.

Further activities are expected as UNESCO and its partners move from planning toward implementation.