Speech by Peter Mertens, PVDA-PTB Secretary General, at the event in Brussels on April 30, 2025, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Asia-Africa conference in Bandung.

The 70th anniversary of the Bandung conference offers an opportunity to reflect on its enduring legacy and relevance with distinguished speakers like Vijay Prashad, Varsha Gandikota and Peter Mertens.

Seventy years ago, the seeds of a new world order were planted in Bandung. In the former colonial banquet hall, Sociëteit Concordia, leaders from Asia and Africa gathered to stand united against imperialism and domination.

The return of German militarism, the arms race in Europe and Washington's war rhetoric: all point to escalation. But as always, the power of peace lies below: with those who pay the price. Let's make the workers' movement a central force for disarmament, social justice and a socialist alternative, once more.

The 1927 founding conference of the League Against Imperialism had a significant influence on the Non-Aligned Movement that emerged in the postcolonial and Cold War era. The campaign will make sure its centennial in 2027 does not pass unnoticed.