96thEC – Beijing/Huzhou China

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World Federation of Scientific Workers 
96th Executive Council / Symposium
Beijing & Huzhou 2024

Full Report

At the invitation of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), affiliated with the World Federation of Scientific Workers (WFSW), the 96th Meeting of the WFSW Executive Council (EC) was held in Beijing and Huzhou from 11 to 17 August 2024.

CAST
Founded in 1958, CAST is the largest non-governmental science and technology organisation in China.
With a network of 210 affiliated associations, including 32 regional or local ones, CAST represents over 120 million professionals, including scientists and engineers, throughout the country. In addition to promoting science and technology, CAST plays a crucial role in policy and legislative development, overseeing research integrity, promoting scientific ethics, and adopting appropriate working methods. Furthermore, it reinforces the commitment to maintain science as a global force at the service of humanity.
CAST also stands out in the field of scientific knowledge dissemination in society, led by the China Research Institute for Science Popularisation, which organises activities such as lectures for young students by renowned researchers as part of the ‘Senior Scientists Public Lectures’ programme. In addition, its action in the field of science, technology and innovation has contributed significantly to China’s economic and social development, evidenced by the rapid increase of the investment in research and development (R&D) and the number of researchers in the country.
CAST’s universality is reflected in the 185 affiliated scientific societies, covering a wide range of basic and applied sciences, including agricultural and medical sciences, as well as interdisciplinary fields. CAST plays a central role in China’s scientific and technological progress, strengthening the relationship between the scientific community and society.

THE WFSW AND ITS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Founded in 1946, the WFSW is an international non-governmental organisation in official partnership with UNESCO. Staying true to its origins, the WFSW provides a forum for debate where scientific workers, regardless of their origin or personal convictions, can freely express their perspectives on issues affecting their activities, considering the specific conditions of their countries or institutions. The Federation promotes co-operation between associations representing scientific workers and within the scientific community in general, with the aim of putting science and technology at the service of the well-being of humanity.
The WFSW EC is responsible for managing the Federation between General Assemblies (GA), which are held every four years. The Council meets regularly to define and implement the Federation’s strategic guidelines, assess the progress of ongoing initiatives and discuss new proposals and positions that address the challenges faced by scientific workers in various national and international contexts, particularly with regard to their living and working conditions. It also issues statements on global issues facing human societies, with a particular focus on the War-Peace dilemma as an existential threat.

THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 96TH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The 96th EC meeting featured the usual parallel sessions of the various working groups dedicated to different areas of WFSW action. The sessions were held at the China Hall for S&T in the CAST Headquarters building in Beijing and at the Dongwu New Century Grand Hotel in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. As has become customary, the event included a public symposium, this time integrated into the International Conference on Green Low-Carbon Innovation, inaugurated on  August 15 in Huzhou.
Nearly fifty participants from four continents and over ten nationalities took part in the EC proceedings and attended or contributed to the Symposium.
One of the highlights was the inauguration of an exhibition at the National Centre for Science Communication in Beijing, dedicated to the history of cooperation between CAST and the WFSW. This exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the partnership between the two organisations, from the involvement of Chinese scientists in the founding of the WFSW to the deepened collaboration of today. The initiative aims at preserving the memory of this historic relationship and encouraging even stronger cooperation.
The following summary of the 96th EC highlights the WFSW’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with its affiliated organisations, to promote ethical and responsible science, aligned with the principles of peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

OPENING CEREMONY
The opening ceremony of the 96th WFSW EC, held in Beijing in collaboration with CAST, featured addresses from several distinguished figures. Zhao Zhongxian, Honorary Member of CAST and Deputy Vice-President of WFSW, emphasised the importance of the meeting for global scientific progress and sustainable development. This was followed by speeches from WFSW Co-Presidents Jean-Paul Lainé (SNESUP-FSU, France) and Elies Molins (API-CSIC, Spain), who underscored the significance of scientific cooperation in addressing global challenges. Pascal Janots (UGICT-CGT, France) then presented the Treasurer’s report.
In his opening speech, Jean-Paul Lainé stressed the essential role of international collaboration in driving progress, aligning scientific advances with sustainable development goals. He thanked CAST and the authorities present for their support for the organization of the event and highlighted priorities such as disarmament, climate change, social inequalities, and the democratisation of knowledge. He also emphasised the urgent need to tackle political degradation, “fake news,” and punitive environmental policies, suggesting initiatives such as establishing a research fund for Africa and expanding the partnership with UNESCO (Introductory speech to the Executive Council – Jean-Paul Lainé, FR: https://fmts-wfsw.org/2024/12/expose-introductif-jean-paul-laine-pekin-2024/).
Elies Molins reaffirmed pacifism as a fundamental principle of the WFSW, founded to prevent the use of nuclear weapons and promote peace and the well-being of humanity. He warned of the long-lasting effects of violence and the need to combat inequalities, making a representative and ambitious appeal for a 50-year global armistice to redirect resources wasted on armaments towards sustainable development. He stressed the role of critical thinking and called for enhancing the WFSW’s influence through more effective communication and global cooperation networks, mobilising society to save ecosystems and ensure a habitable future for the planet (Introductory speech to the Executive Council – Elies Molins, EN: https://fmts-wfsw.org/2025/01/opening-of-the-96ec-wfsw-elies-molins/?lang=en).

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SESSIONS
Following the opening ceremony, the first of the 96th EC’s four sessions began. Frederico Carvalho, President of OTC, chaired the first session, accompanied by Sylviane Lejeune, representative of UGICT-CGT (France).
The session’s main focus was a reflection on geopolitics and global challenges , particularly investments in weapons, to the detriment of resources for science and social progress. Elies Molins stressed the urgency of fostering mutual understanding among nations, Seydi Ababacar (SAES, Senegal) highlighted the role of the West in arming Islamist movements. The session underscored the commitment to peace, including the initiative of the Chinese government, which in July met with Palestinian organizations, reinforcing its position in defense of peace.
Discussions also addressed the subject of “Open Science”, with particular attention to initiatives in the Maghreb and elsewhere in Africa, such as the movement “Democratise Science” and the preparation of a symposium with UNESCO in Rabat. Xu Lan (CAST, China) addressed the WFSW’s financial challenges, suggesting a dialogue with organisations in arrears with their membership fees and the possibility of raising private funds to ensure the Federation’s sustainability.
Maria Elmina Lopes chaired the second session, together with Joana Santos, both from OTC. The session focused on the activity of the eight active Working Groups (see below) and the UNESCO and Communication sectors, whose reports are available on the cloud/website of the 96th EC.
In the third session, chaired by Xiqiu Han (CAST, China) assisted by Cheikhou Sylla (SUDES, Senegal), the matters presented so far were discussed, and the proposal from Working Group 4, “Funding of Research in Africa,” was introduced by Malick Fall (SAES, Senegal) and Mehdi Lahlou (Morocco). Finally, in the last session, held in Huzhou, chaired by Marcelo Magnasco (FESIDUAS, Argentina), alongside Jamal Sebbani (SNESUP, Morocco), the EC approved the Treasurer’s Report, the Budget, the reports from the Working Groups and Sectors, as well as three documents for broad dissemination as Federation Declarations:

The above-mentioned proposals by Malick Fall and Mehdi Lahlou, were endorsed, and support was expressed for the speech by the President of China on the unification of Palestinian organisations. Finally, the Federation approved the affiliation of the Association des Femmes Chercheures de Côte d’Ivoire and an individual membership for Marianne Seck Tall from Senegal. Lastly, the dates for the upcoming EC and GA meetings were set: EC97 on 26-27 November 2024; EC98 in 2025 in Paris; GA24 in 2026 in Latin America.

THE WORKING GROUPS
The customary parallel sessions of the Federation’s thematic Working Groups (WGs) took place, addressing current, general or specialized, issues:

  • WG1: Peace, Disarmament, and Cooperation.
  • WG2: Climate, Ocean, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • WG3: Research and the Status of Scientific Workers.
  • WG4: Research Funding in Africa.
  • WG5: Women in Science.
  • WG6: Federation’s Internal Regulations.
  • WG7: Social Networks.
  • WG8: Young Scientists.

These groups organise themselves freely, define their work projects, and are open to the participation of members from any of the organisations affiliated with the World Federation.

Working Group 1 – “Peace, Disarmament, and Cooperation”
Coordinated by Frederico Carvalho (President of OTC and Vice-President of the WFSW EC), the group meeting  was joined by five in-person participants from different countries. The group discussed a document prepared by Frederico Carvalho and Mehdi Lahlou (Morocco), highlighting the risks of nuclear weapons proliferation and armed conflicts (see document: https://fmts-wfsw.org/2024/12/hard-times/?lang=en). It advocates for international cooperation and the need of profound social changes to prevent a nuclear catastrophe, mitigate climate change, and promote global stability. The report emphasises the role of scientific workers in the analysis of these issues and possible influence on the paths to follow, with a focus on peace and security.

Working Group 2 – “Climate, Ocean, and SDGs”
The discussion, coordinated by Josette Rome-Chastanet (France), focussed on a document prepared by Xiqiu Han (CAST, China), Marc Delepouve (SNESUP-FSU, France), and the coordinator herself. The group called on the global community to recognise the urgency of climate change and strengthen a global mobilisation, warning of insufficient commitments and the denial of responsibilities by countries most accountable for global warming. The WFSW advocates for more effective climate strategies and broader mobilisation.
The documents from WG1 and WG2 were presented as draft statements of the WFSW for discussion and possible approval in sessions 3 and 4.

Working Group 3 – “Research and the Status of Scientific Workers”
The group coordinated by Sylviane Lejeune (UGICT-CGT, France) and Marcelo Magnasco (FESIDUAS, Argentina), with the participation of Rita Reis from ABIC, coordinator of WG8, gathered representatives from nine countries.  The creation of a survey of research conditions in different countries, covering funding, job stability, and infrastructures, was discussed. A questionnaire will be released, aiming to map challenges and propose improvements.
Sylviane Lejeune highlighted the need to expand the group’s geographical representation, suggesting the integration of CAST.
Rita Reis presented a document from Group 8: Young Scientists, prepared by colleagues Chaima Haoufazzane (Senegal), Carolina Rocha from ABIC, and herself, addressing challenges faced by young researchers, including precariousness and the mercantilization of scientific knowledge. The document proposes solutions for a more inclusive and equitable academic environment.

Working Group 6 – The Federation’s Internal Regulations
The group charged with reviewing the WFSW Internal Regulations, proposed sending the suggested amendments to the EC members for discussion at the next EC meeting which is to be held remotely.

Working Group 7 – Social Networks
The group previously dedicated to promoting the WFSW on Social Networks was integrated in the Communication Sector. A new group, identified as number 7, has now emerged, tasked with discussing the Federation’s future, including the possible development of a strategic plan.
Contributions to the WGs are available on the 96th EC site: https://fmts-wfsw–96th-executive-council-9.cms.webnode.pt/.

EXHIBITION: A REVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE WFSW AND CAST
On  August 13, an exhibition on the history of cooperation between CAST and the WFSW was inaugurated at the China Science and Technology Communication Centre, as part of the celebrations of the 60th-anniversary of the relationship between the two. The WFSW-CAST partnership began in 1964 with the Beijing Symposium, the first major international academic conference organised by China, marking a historic moment in promoting science and global exchange.
Since then, CAST has deepened this cooperation, strengthening international ties in science and technology, promoting world peace, addressing global challenges, and driving sustainable development. Currently, CAST integrates 875 international scientific organisations and annually organises about 800 academic conferences in China.
During the exhibition’s opening ceremony, Shi Yigong, Vice-President of CAST, emphasised that “science knows no borders” and that cooperation is essential to tackle global challenges. Jean-Paul Lainé, Co-President of the WFSW, praised the fruitful collaboration between the parties and advocated scientific communication as an indispensable tool for progress, regardless of political tensions. Frederico Carvalho, Vice-President of the Executive Council, made a remarkable  reference to the history of the WFSW.
The exhibition featured historically relevant documents, such as records from the 1964 Beijing Symposium and events associated with the WFSW’s foundation, highlighting the importance of the partnership in promoting science worldwide.
Among the displayed materials, the first exhibited photograph stands out, taken from a Nature magazine article on the 1946 conference “Science and the Well-Being of Humanity,” where the creation of the WFSW was discussed. Another highlight is an image of Zhou Enlai, then Chinese Premier, meeting with international delegates in 1963.
CAST, representing 120 million Chinese workers in science and technology, remains committed to maintaining science as a global force for the benefit of humanity.
The exhibition’s inauguration ceremony was followed by a gala dinner.

THE SYMPOSIUM
The Symposium, part of the “International Conference on Green and Low-Carbon Innovation 2024,” took place on  August 15 in Huzhou, Zhejiang. The Conference, organised by CAST, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the People’s Government of Zhejiang, with the support of the WFSW and the future World Society for Carbon Neutrality, aimed to promote green and low-carbon innovation for a sustainable future.
The opening ceremony featured addresses by Elies Molins, Co-President of the WFSW; Wei Shu, Executive Vice-President and Executive Secretary of CAST; Shan Lu, Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province; and Hao Chen, Secretary of the Huzhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China. Moderated by Xiaodong Wu, Executive President of the Association for Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province, it took place in the Dongwu Hall of the Dongwu New Century Grand Hotel Huzhou.
The conference included symposia on carbon neutrality, policy forums, and an international exhibition of green technologies, bringing together around 300 participants, including scientists, representatives of organisations and universities, businesspeople, and investors.
The theme of the symposium, “Scientific Cooperation as a Driver of Low-Carbon Green Development”, reflected the WFSW’s concerns. Elies Molins opened the session, followed by Jean-Paul Lainé, who addressed the responsibilities of scientists within the framework of the SDGs, and Lan Xue (CAST, China), who discussed technological applications for mitigating the effects of climate change.

Round Tables
The symposium featured two round tables:

  1. Challenges for Low-Carbon Green Development, moderated by Xiqiu Han (CAST, China), with contributions from Yuntao Wang (China), Malick Fall (SAES, Senegal), Kai Fang (China), and, remotely, Marc Delepouve (France) and Elena Kharatinova (TUERAS, Russia).
  2. Opportunities, Challenges, and Solutions for Low-Carbon Green Development, moderated by Pascal Janots (UGICT-CGT, France), with contributions from Frederico Carvalho (OTC, Portugal), Mehdi Lahlou (Morocco), Jianhua Zhang (China), Paola Arteaga (FedLatCi, Mexico), and Qiang Fu (China).

Written contributions from André Jaeglé (France), Honorary President of the WFSW, and Nuno Canha, a member of the OTC Board of Directors (Portugal), enriched the discussion.
Frederico Carvalho’s speech can be read here: https://fmts-wfsw.org/2024/09/affordable-and-clean-energy/?lang=en
The symposium was concluded with the launch of the Low-Carbon Green Development Initiative, read in English, French, and Chinese, marking a joint appeal by the WFSW and CAST.
Some contributions can be accessed on the 96th EC site: https://fmts-wfsw–96th-executive-council-9.cms.webnode.pt/.

SOCIAL EVENTS
The event’s organisers, as is usual in similar situations, sought to provide the opportunity for informal gatherings of participants, which help to strengthen existing ties and create new friendships in a relaxed environment.
On the day of the arrival in Beijing, participants visited the Temple of Heaven, followed by a warm welcome reception. The following day, after the EC sessions, they took part in an enriching cultural tourism visit, culminating in a delightful dinner at the Fang Shan restaurant.
On 14 August, participants experienced an extraordinary journey aboard the high-speed train connecting Beijing to Huzhou.
On 16 August, the event “Big Hands Holding Small Hands – Civilised Ecological Tour: A Science Popularisation Activity between World Scientists and the Youth of Huzhou” took place in Yucun Village, Anji. This initiative highlighted the importance of intergenerational cooperation and environmental awareness, promoting the exchange of scientific knowledge with local youth. The day concluded with insightful reflections, marking the end of a programme filled with learning and knowledge-sharing.
On the final day, after the EC sessions, participants visited the Huzhou Research Institute of Zhejiang University, a landmark occasion that provided an in-depth look into the scientific and technological advancements fostered by the institute.
With a combination of cultural, scientific, and social activities, the event created unique moments of interaction and experience-sharing, leaving a lasting impression on all participants.

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The 96th WFSW EC Meeting, held in Beijing and Huzhou, stood out for the quality of the discussions and the significance of the decisions made. Both the debates and the high quality of the symposium’s contributions played a vital role in strengthening cooperation among scientific workers and representative associations, to the benefit of humanity.
The success of the meeting was due to the exemplary work of CAST as local organiser and the contributions of EC members, who led the sessions and fostered fruitful collaboration. Beyond addressing the Federation’s governance and activity planning, the meeting reinforced ties between the Federation and its affiliated associations, particular emphasis on the renewal of the bond with CAST, the host institution. This has reaffirmed the commitment to science as a tool for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development, underlining the essential role of affiliated associations in building a more equitable future.

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A detailed report follows: FMTS-WFSW _ 96th Executive Council_Report

Images provided by CAST
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