WFSW Newsletter – Feb 2026

Posted on 5 February 202616 March 2026 by Joana Pinto dos Santos

FMTS-WFSW Newsletter

February 2026

Welcome

In a rapidly changing world, the WFSW strengthens its role as a forum for scientific cooperation and collective action. February 9th and 11th will bring our online Executive Council (99th EC), a key moment to discuss the Federation’s strategic plan, explore new ways to engage members and affiliated organisations, and determine what should continue, change, or be created anew. As we approach our 80th anniversary, to be celebrated at the 24th General Assembly in Mexico City, we join forces across countries, disciplines, and institutions to reaffirm our commitment to defending science, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that scientific knowledge serves society. Together, we are shaping the future of the WFSW.

Latest from the website

Article: SOLIDARITY WITH VENEZUELA AND LATIN AMERICA

20 Jan 2025

The WFSW supports the statement of FESIDUAS/CEA/FEI in defence of the sovereignty of Venezuela and the Peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean: In the face of the renewed escalation of domination, interference and the use of force that threaten international peace, the undersigned trade union and educational… Read More

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Affiliates & Partners

WFSW and UNESCO: A Historic Partnership Serving Science and Society
The World Federation of Scientific Workers (WFSW) has maintained, for decades, an official cooperative relationship with UNESCO, establishing itself as a global voice in the defence of science in the service of humanity.

Since its founding in 1946, the WFSW has collaborated with international organisations to promote better working conditions for scientists, universal access to knowledge, and the responsible use of science. This mission has found in UNESCO a natural partner.

Official Consultative Partnership
The WFSW is recognised as an NGO in official consultative partnership with UNESCO, participating in consultations, international forums, and working groups on science, education, ethics, and sustainable development.

Historical Contribution
A key milestone in this collaboration was the WFSW’s active involvement in the Recommendation by UNESCO in 1974 on Science and Scientific Resarchers, a foundational document establishing principles regarding academic freedom, rights, duties, and working conditions for scientists worldwide, which was subsequently superseded by UNESCO’s 2017 Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers, adopted on 13 November 2017, providing an updated international standard that reflects developments in science policy, governance, and the evolving role of researchers.

Projects and Concrete Actions
The cooperation extends beyond documents and historical projects. The WFSW has participated in numerous projects and international events in partnership with UNESCO, including:

Hydrology training in Africa: The WFSW participated in a project to train hydrology specialists, following the 2014 international forum in Yamoussoukro (Côte d’Ivoire) entitled “Access to Water for All in Africa — A Fundamental Human Right.” The forum involved NGOs and UNESCO Member States, resulting in the “Yamoussoukro Appeal” and fostering long-term partnerships in countries such as Chad. (Link)
International events and symposia, such as the Regional Symposium “Open Science and Democratizing Science” held in Rabat (Morocco), organised in close collaboration with UNESCO.
Recent Participation in AI Ethics: Specialist L. M. Pereira was invited to represent the WFSW at UNESCO, providing his contributions on AI Ethics. This session, with audio available, demonstrates the contemporary relevance of the WFSW’s collaboration with UNESCO on emerging issues in science and technology. (audio)
Ongoing activities within the WFSW Executive Council, including debates and proposals on ethical science, open science, sustainable development, and international scientific cooperation.
Cultural and peace initiatives, aligned with UNESCO’s agenda, including participation in conferences on building cultures of peace through art and education, celebrations of International Peace Day, and events such as Journée Paix et Danse. (link)
Official interventions at UNESCO General Conference sessions, highlighting WFSW’s formal and strategic involvement in international decision-making and recommendations.
Participation in the Lien magazine edition: The WFSW contributes to the dissemination of significant articles by various authors on science, international policies, and sustainable development, such as Traité sur la haute mer and Big Hands Guide, Small Hands (link) The oceans may no longer be blue Les océans ne seront peut-être plus bleus – FMTS.

Global Impact
This relationship reinforces the WFSW’s role as an interlocutor between the scientific community and international institutions, contributing to:

The recognition and appreciation of scientific work.
The promotion of a more equitable, inclusive, and socially responsible science.
The strengthening of international scientific cooperation.

In summary, the partnership between the WFSW and UNESCO represents a shared commitment to ethical, accessible, and socially responsible science — a continuous effort that produces a global impact through projects, events, recommendations, official interventions, and cultural initiatives shaping the future of science worldwide.

Upcoming event
UNESCO will celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2026, in Paris and online, with discussions on inclusion, gender equality and scientific innovation. Read More

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Meetings and Activities
January 2025:

Bureau Meetings – 08, 16 & 26 Jan 2026 – 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.
International Secretariat – 12 Jan 2026 – During the International Secretariat meeting, several important matters concerning the life and functioning of the Federation were discussed. The progress in preparing the 99th Executive Council (99EC), for which invitations have already been sent, was reviewed, along with other operational issues relevant to the WFSW. Key international topics were addressed, including Venezuela and global geopolitical challenges. It was decided to draft a text on the global geopolitical situation, a proposed statement on ocean sustainability, and a WFSW declaration on the situation in Venezuela, to be completed by the end of January and circulated for approval at the 99th EC.
WG7: Future – 19 & 27 Jan 2026 – WG7 discussed the future of the WFSW and the preparation of a strategic document for the next Executive Council, focusing on strengthening cooperation with affiliated organisations, diversifying funding sources, engaging all scientific workers, and developing innovative projects to reinforce the Federation’s role in science, peace, and society.
Communication Sector – 20 Jan 2026 – The meeting focused on reviewing the roadmap and assigning responsibilities to increase the visibility of the WFSW, strengthen ties with affiliated organisations, and optimise communication on digital platforms. Main topics discussed included the annual report, the newsletter, and a new flyer: “Science workers don’t work for war”.
Preparation of the next General Assembly Meeting – 23 Jan 2026 – 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. (https://fmts-wfsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/251219-First-message-for-the-AG24.pdf)

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Upcoming events