World BEYOND War’s conference is happening in 2 weeks on October 24-26 on Zoom! Our annual conferences are an important time to learn, strategize, and network together as a global community. This year’s conference theme, “Exploring Abolition Movements,” is especially relevant to our mission to end all war and violence.

Throughout three days of panels, trainings, and breakout room discussions, leading educators, activists, and organizers from all corners of the globe will share examples of abolition in action, from Costa Rica abolishing its military to South Africa ending apartheid. We’ll learn how communities are implementing practices beyond prisons, policing, and punishment, such as violence interruption programs, nonviolent deescalation, community safety, restorative and transformative justice, and more.

And we’re excited to announce a special bonus panel happening on Saturday, October 25 at 7:00pm-8:30pm ET, which will take place both in-person in Toronto, Canada hosted by the WBW Toronto Chapter and livestreamed on Zoom. A conference ticket includes access to this panel along with all the other sessions throughout the 3 day schedule (view the full agenda here!). 

Featuring:

• Desmond Cole is a journalist, activist and author based in Toronto. His work focuses on struggles against state violence, particularly local policing. Desmond’s 2020 best-selling book, The Skin We’re In, A Year of Black Resistance and Power, received national acclaim and won the 2020 Toronto Book Award.
• Syed Hussan is the Executive Director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change; a member of Migrant Rights Network; long term organizer in support of Grassy Narrows First Nations; and part of Palestine Solidarity Network.
• Brianna Olson Pitawanakwat is an Anishinaabekwe, Indigiqueer and member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded First Nation. As an Indigenous Birthworker, jingle dress dancer, artisan and radical educator, she is committed to principles of Indigenous Liberation and self determination. She currently co leads Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction and Native Arts Society, both 2spirit/Queer/Trans led initiatives.
• Rachel Small works as the Canada Organizer for World BEYOND War. She is a founding member of the Jews Say No to Genocide Coalition, and coordinates the Arms Embargo Now campaign. She has done grassroots organizing within local and international social/environmental justice movements for nearly two decades, with a special focus on working in solidarity with communities harmed by Canadian extractive industry projects.

Hope to see you at #NoWar2025,

Greta Zarro
Organizing Director
World BEYOND War
[email protected]