Zimmerwald Conference 2.0 – No peace without social change

Zimmerwald, 1915: a small town in the Bernese Midlands. Secretly, and disguised as ornithologists, 38 leading opponents of the war from 11 European countries meet in the midst of the First World War. Workers, the general public, and their families are suffering – on all sides of the borders. The people of Zimmerwald are united by one desire: to end the war, to oppose the policy of "civil truce." The discussions are heated and controversial – but a common ground is found. This war must end immediately! Zimmerwald 1.0 was a significant step and made history. And today? 110 years later, the dangers of fascism and war are growing.

Zimmerwald 2.0 is a new attempt at fostering controversial discussion—and unity in the commitment against fascism and war. In September 2025, 403 participants from 34 countries came together to unite their peace efforts, despite many differences in worldview. These differences were not swept under the rug, but neither were they allowed to hinder common action. The dangers are growing—but “...it is also true that there is an awakening of democratic and revolutionary sentiment with increasingly clear progressive nuances. (...) The silver lining is the emergence of popular resistance,” is the message of the final resolution of Zimmerwald 2.0.