Each month, we share the stories of World BEYOND War volunteers around the world. Want to volunteer with World BEYOND War? Email greta@worldbeyondwar.org.
Location:
Sighisoara / Schäßburg / Segesvár (Romania / Transylvania)
How did you get involved with anti-war activism and World BEYOND War (WBW)?
In July 2024, I found out about WBW through friends while I was in Brussels trying to campaign against the appointment of Kaja Kallas as the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs. Kallas (from Estonia) is a staunch supporter of conflict with Russia; I, on the other hand, have been very concerned about the escalation of the war against Ukraine since it began in 2022, fearing it could develop into a larger conflict. So I began to engage in pacifist activism – and last year joined the newly formed WBW Romania Chapter.
What kinds of WBW activities do you work on?
On Europe Day (May 9), I gave an online talk about the criteria for just and lasting peace agreements (the so-called SMILE criteria), which I believe could also help create peace in Ukraine. I also take part in protests and conferences (more recently in The Hague, Brussels, Navi Sad / Serbia, Berlin). On August 1, I’ll co-organize a conference in Helsinki marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the CSCE/OSCE in 1975. In August, I’ll also facilitate an online course for WBW about war, peace and law – and I’m looking forward to more joint actions in the future.
What’s your top recommendation for someone who wants to get involved with anti-war activism and WBW?
I can recommend WBW as a peace organization in general. WBW’s approach is, in my opinion, compelling because it consistently rejects war as such and seeks to overcome it – as clearly expressed in the Peace Pledge that new members are invited to join. Other than that, I just recommend getting started, getting involved, communicating online, networking with the very friendly, open-minded team – and the rest will fall into place step by step.
What keeps you inspired to advocate for change?
I’m generally an optimistic person. I’ve been an environmental and civil rights activist in my home country Romania for 20 years. There I’ve had difficult, frustrating, disappointing, and, at the same time, very instructive and personally enriching experiences. I see that as ideal training to now devote myself to the challenging topic of peace and security. Besides, it’s long past the point where I could stop. I can’t imagine my life any other way than working for the common good – whether in my city, in my country, in Europe, or globally.
Posted July 19, 2025.
