WFSW Newsletter – Jan 2026

FMTS-WFSW Newsletter

January 2026

Welcome

The year 2026 begins in a particularly challenging international context, marked by armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions and persistent social injustices. These realities pose profound challenges to our societies and underline the urgent need for collective reflection on the future we are shaping.

In the face of such extreme situations, the World Federation of Scientific Workers reaffirms that the future cannot be reduced to a weakened or devalued present. On the contrary, it requires conscious, responsible and solidarity-based choices. An economy with a strong social orientation, a fair and equitable distribution of knowledge, and scientific freedom exercised in the service of the common good remain central principles of the WFSW’s action and a necessary path towards a possible future.

In a rapidly changing world, the role of scientific workers is essential in advancing peace and justice, promoting sustainable development, and defending human rights. Science must serve the common good and be placed at the service of peoples, particularly in times of crisis.

At the beginning of this new year, the WFSW renews its commitment to these values and extends to all affiliated organisations and friends its best wishes for a Happy New Year 2026, with hope, solidarity, joy and humanity.

Latest from the website

Article: THE WORLD HAS A PLAN — AND IT MUST BE CARRIED OUT

The world already has a plan
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), proposed by the United Nations 10 years ago (UN sustainable development). This plan is valuable because it is the result of broad global contributions and consensus. It looks beyond the short term, offering a deeper vision for humanity. Read more

Event: 98th EXECUTIVE COUNCIL – PARIS, FRANCE

The 98th Executive Council of the WFSW took place in Paris from 9 to 13 June 2025, at the CNRS Ile-de-France campus in Villejuif. The CNRS management provided the facilities and technical conditions required for the meeting, positively responding to the request made by the SNTRS-CGT and the UGICT-CGT. Read more

Visit the website

Affiliates & Partners

WFSW Statement of Support for the General Secretary of the CGT, France

The Bureau of the World Federation of Scientific Workers (WFSW) has learned of the indictment of Sophie Binet, General Secretary of the CGT, following a complaint filed by an association close to large employers regarding statements she made a few months ago, in which she strongly denounced employment blackmail, offshoring, and the refusal of fiscal justice.

The WFSW is deeply concerned by the increasing use of judicial procedures worldwide to silence opposition and to prevent debates, which are essential for the development of progressive policies.

The Federation remains vigilant regarding anything that obstructs the development of ideas and knowledge, weakens the scientific endeavour, or undermines the work of our affiliated associations and trade unions. The challenges facing humanity require democracy, trade union freedoms, and academic liberties.

The WFSW conveys this message of solidarity to all its members, in support of our colleague and friend, leader of one of our affiliated organisations.

Paris, 8 December 2025

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Highlights from the 2024 International Green and Low-Carbon Innovation Conference in Huzhou, organised by CAST and local authorities, with support from WFSW — focusing on sustainable, low-carbon innovation still relevant today.

Elies Molins: we are in the same direction in green development

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Meetings and Activities

December 2025:

International Secretariat – 01 Dec 2025 – During the International Secretariat meeting on 1 December 2025, a number of important matters concerning the life and functioning of the Federation were discussed. Progress in the preparation of the 24th General Assembly (24GA) was reviewed, working groups and sectors were energised, and other relevant topics for the operation of the WFSW were addressed.

As part of the meeting, it was decided to invite all members of the Federation to assist in compiling an external contact list, including journalists, scientific and governmental institutions, and relevant associations. Members are encouraged to provide their own contacts or those of their affiliated organisations, specifying the name, email address, country, and institutional position or status. All information should be sent to communication@fmts-wfsw.org.

This initiative aims to extend the reach and impact of the Federation, ensuring that the information and proposals produced by the WFSW reach beyond our members and affiliated organisations, reinforcing international solidarity among scientific workers and increasing awareness of the challenges they face.

Bureau Meetings – 05 & 15 Dec 2025 – Meetings to review ongoing activities, make operational decisions, and prepare various types of meetings, including International Secretariat sessions, in-person meetings with affiliated associations, sector or working-group meetings, and the 24GA.

In-person meeting with the CGT – 08 Dec 2025 – Meeting with the Confederal Bureau to present WFSW’s trajectory and roadmap, aimed at strengthening the relationship and establishing new avenues for fruitful collaboration.

Communication Sector – 16 Dec 2025 – Review of the roadmap and assignment of responsibilities to increase the visibility of WFSW, strengthen ties with affiliated organisations, and optimise communication activities on digital platforms.

Preparation of the next General Assembly Meeting – 19 Dec 2025 – preparation meeting for the 24th General Assembly, and 100th and 101th Executive Council, which will take place in Mexico City from 31 August to 4 September 2026, also marking the 80th anniversary of the Federation. Discussions focused on the preliminary programme, including thematic seminars and workshops, the budget, potential sponsors, the availability of participants, and other logistical matters, as well as the integration of commemorative activities into the event.

As a result, an introductory message from the co-presidents, in English, French, and Spanish, has already been sent, accompanying the preliminary version of the programme, which was shared with the Executive Council members to confirm attendance. The 24th General Assembly will build on the success of the previous edition in Marrakech (2022), bringing together members from around the world to strengthen the mission and values of the WFSW. (251219-First-message-for-the-AG24.pdf)

Get involved

Send your news, events and reports for inclusion in next month’s Newsletter to:
communication@fmts-wfsw.org