Committee for a Workers’ International convenes successful 14th World Congress

The 14th World Congress of the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI) convened from July 27 to 31, 2025, in Berlin, bringing together delegates, ex-officio representatives, and international visitors from across the globe. There were 24 delegates, 28 ex-officio, 28 CWI visitors, and 14 visitors from other socialist organisations in attendance. Comrades from Australia, Japan and other areas unable to attend in person joined by zoom.

This was a very successful Congress, with wide-ranging discussion from comrades involved in class struggles in their respective countries.

The Congress opened with a minute of silence for recently deceased CWI comrades, including Peter Taaffe and Lynn Walsh, who both played a leading role in the CWI for decades.

The first plenary discussions focused on the new era of capitalist crisis and the struggle for socialism. This was introduced by Tony Saunois, with contributions from comrades across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, South Africa, Israel/Palestine, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Ireland, Austria, Scotland, England and Wales, the US, India, and Kazakhstan. Bob Labi replied to the discussion.

A discussion on the Middle East and the war on Gaza followed, led off by Judy Beishon. Important interventions from Israel/Palestine comrades and other international participants were given. The discussion underscored the need for socialist analysis of events and for a socialist solution.

During discussions on Africa and Asia, comrades from Nigeria, South Africa, France, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, and others shared insights into the general crisis of capitalism in the regions and workers’ struggles. Bob Labi introduced the Africa discussion and Senan introduced the session on Asia.

The third day of the Congress concluded with a commemorative rally for Peter Taaffe, celebrating his lifelong dedication to building the CWI. Speakers from Sri Lanka, South Africa, Britain, Ireland, France, and the CWI International Secretariat paid tribute to his legacy.

The fourth day looked at ‘Building the CWI’ with contributions from comrades across continents. This session was introduced by Sean Figg and replied to by Sascha Staničić.

Day five opened with Congress discussing European perspectives. Niall Mulholland introduced the discussion. Speakers from Austria, Israel-Palestine, England and Wales, Ireland, Sweden, France, Germany, Romania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Scotland contributed to a rich discussion. Hannah Sell provided the reply.

A new International Executive Committee was elected by Congress and along with other international bodies.

 The 14th World Congress ended with the singing of The Internationale, the socialist song of unity, internationalism, and commitment to the socialist cause.

Over the next days, we will publish on socialistworld.net the main documents adopted by the Congress, and also a video of the commemorative rally for Peter Taaffe.