Call for participants – information:

Brussels, March 12–14, 2027

One hundred years ago, in February 1927, 175 delegates from across the globe gathered in Brussels to launch the League Against Imperialism. They forged a historic alliance that prefigured the Bandung Conference and inspired the Non-Aligned Movement. Their struggle was not just for national independence, but for a fundamental reordering of global power.

Today, we stand at a similar turning point.

A century later, the world faces a resurgent and intensified imperialism. Yet, just as in 1927, resistance is rising. The "Spirit of Bandung" remains a vital rallying cry for sovereignty, non-interference, and international solidarity.

Why You Should Join Us

The LAI27 Centennial Commemoration is not merely a historical retrospective. It is a strategic convergence designed to:

• Deepen historical understanding: Connect the dots between the 1927 LAI, the 1955 Bandung Conference, and today’s anti-imperialist struggles.

• Strengthen dialogue and reflection on today’s anti-imperialist struggles: Create a platform where representatives of trade unions, peasant organizations, and other social movements and grassroots activists can reflect on the state of play of the current anti-imperialist movement.

• Draft an action agenda for today’s anti-imperialist movement: Contribute to producing a concrete, shared action agenda outlining priority commitments for the broader anti-imperialist movement over the next 3–5 years—ensuring that the centennial is not just a commemorative moment, but a launching pad for sustained, coordinated struggle.

Who We Are Looking For

We are inviting activists, organizers, scholars, artists, and movement builders to join us in Brussels for a weekend of intense dialogue and planning. We specifically prioritize:

• Representatives from the Global South: Grassroots organizers, activists, and community leaders from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

• Working-Class Organizers: Members of labor unions and peasant movements.

• Youth and Student Activists: Those eager to learn from history and carry the torch forward.

All prospective participants are expected to actively contribute to the workshops during the event and to share the insights gained with their organisations, networks, and comrades upon returning home. This ensures the centennial benefits not just those who attend, but the broader movement.

What to Expect

• Friday, March 12 (evening): Opening activity of the commemoration.

• Saturday, March 13: Parallel workshops hosted by supporting networks focusing on campaign strategy, organizing, and cultural resistance.

• Saturday Evening: Indoor mass rally featuring high-profile speakers from the Global South.

• Sunday, March 14: Public rally and the symbolic unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the Egmont Palace—the site of the original 1927 conference.

How to Apply

Please submit your expression of interest by August 31, 2026 and we'll come back to you before September 30, 2026.

• Use the online form:www.lai27.net/call-for-participants

• Via your network: If you are part of a supporting network (see https://www.lai27.net/about-us ) ensure the endorsement from them.

A Note on Support

Travel from the Global South presents significant challenges, particularly regarding financial resources and Schengen visas. This commemoration is organized by an ad hoc coalition of international networks. While we aim to secure support for delegates who need it most, we request that prospective participants organize their own travel, funding, and visa processes wherever possible—particularly through their own organizations. This allows us to focus central resources on those who need it most.

— The LAI27 Organizing Secretariat

Brussels, Belgium

E-mail: Secretariat@lai27.net

Website: www.lai27.net