Parallel Meetings of Working Groups

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. 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.

• see document: https://fmts-wfsw.org/2024/12/hard-times/?lang=en)

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.

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 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 Documents.