The 24th International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties

The 24th International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties (IMCWP) convened in Havana, Cuba, from Aug. 7-8, 2026. Hosted by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), the meeting brought together over 100 delegates representing 49 communist and workers’ parties from around the world, including the Communist Party USA.

The meeting adopted a Plan of Action which prioritized several important items, including urging that “the fight against fascism and its manifestations as one of the priorities of the international communist movement,” and to “develop joint activities against anti-communism, fascism, and the historical erasure of the contributions of the USSR.” It also said that, the IMCWP must work jointly to “oppose imperialist wars, the arms race, including nuclear weapons and foreign military bases, and reject all NATO practices.” The IMCWP adopted to also strengthen the struggle of women against inequality, oppression, and discrimination, increasing mobilization on March 8, International Women’s Day, especially among working women.

A Joint Resolution was passed on the Cuba question, reaffirming the importance of unity and solidarity among communist and workers’ parties in the face of imperialist aggression against the socialist country. The resolution recognized the relevance of Fidel Castro’s anti-imperialist, internationalist, and humanitarian thought.

The gathering was held under the theme of defending the legacy of the Cuban Revolution on the centenary of Fidel Castro’s birth and strengthening the international fight against imperialist aggression. The opening session was attended by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other senior Cuban leaders. Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) General Secretary Kemal Okuyan, whose party hosted the previous IMCWP, delivered the opening address.

In his remarks, Díaz-Canel emphasized that the world is in one of its most dangerous periods amid a “perfect storm” triggered by capitalism’s contradictions. “Marxism-Leninism remains fully valid,” he declared, “insofar as it demonstrates that these crises are not accidental events, but the result of the laws of development of monopolistic and imperialist capitalism.” 

Drawing a direct connection between global imperialist aggression and the assault on Cuba, he said that “the genocide in Gaza and its shameful public display are not enough for them; they are trying to do the same in Cuba.” He stressed that socialism remains the only realistic way out of “capitalist barbarism.”

That resolution expressed solidarity with the PCC and the Cuban people, condemned the genocidal U.S. blockade, and denounced the arbitrary prosecution of General Raúl Castro Ruz by a Florida court. It demanded Cuba’s removal from the false list of state sponsors of terrorism maintained by the United States. The resolution called for continued support for Cuba, intensified actions against the blockade, and strengthened cooperation in the struggle for peace and socialism. It also affirmed solidarity with the Palestinian people and other peoples resisting imperialist aggression.

The meeting concluded with delegates singing “The Internationale” together.

Communists in Cuba hold colloquium for Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday

The Communist Party of Cuba held activities and celebrations for Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday, marking the closing of the First International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future,” which brought together participants from 63 countries.

The closing ceremony was attended by Raúl Castro, President Díaz-Canel, senior Party officials, Fidel’s family, and representatives of Cuban society. Delegates repeatedly chanted “Fidel is present,” reflecting the message that his revolutionary legacy remains alive.

In his keynote speech, Díaz-Canel identified three non-negotiable principles inherited from Fidel: national independence, the Revolution, and the values of socialism. He argued that being a Fidelista means maintaining a commitment to anti-imperialism and opposition to injustice. Díaz-Canel also underscored that Fidel’s legacy belongs not only to Cuba but to revolutionary movements worldwide, and that future historians would see millions inspired by his example.

The cultural program highlighted Fidel’s defining principles: sport as a social right, scientific development, solidarity, and internationalism. Cuba’s medical and humanitarian assistance abroad, despite the U.S. blockade, was presented as a key expression of these principles. The blockade was portrayed as Cuba’s greatest obstacle but one that cannot overcome the Cuban people’s determination and unity.

The event concluded with collective celebrations of Fidel’s birthday and chants of “I am Fidel” and “Cuba is not alone.”

Tudeh Party raises alarm on ‘unlimited war’

The Tudeh Party of Iran reported on the devastating impact of the ongoing U.S. war against Iran. Since the attacks began, hundreds have been injured and dozens martyred, including women and children. Several cities have been heavily attacked by U.S. military forces, causing serious damage to the country’s economic infrastructure. Iran has responded by targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.

The Tudeh Party described this as an “unlimited war” that blurs the lines between battlefield, economics, politics, and security. Economic sanctions, intelligence operations, cyberattacks, and infrastructure destruction have become unified tools of warfare aimed at gradually eroding the ability of governments to govern. The party warned that the continuation of this war only serves the interests of imperialism, arms monopolies, and the Israeli government, whose desire is to further destroy Iran and impose complete imperialist domination in the region.

Imperialist aggression against Iraq

The Iraqi Communist Party (ICP) condemned the U.S.-Saudi air bombardment that targeted Iraqi territory and which resulted in deaths and injuries among the Popular Mobilization Forces. The party demanded that the Iraqi government work diligently to remove all pretexts exploited to violate the country’s sovereignty. The party emphasized the need to consolidate the state’s monopoly over the decision of war and peace and to restrict weapons to state institutions. The sovereignty of Iraq should not be subject to political bargaining, the ICP said, and the national interest must remain the foundation for all positions and policies.

TKP rejects ‘Mecca Agreement’

The Communist Party of Turkey (TKP) issued a statement condemning the so-called “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement” between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The agreement treats an armed attack on any one country as an attack on all three, effectively dragging Turkey into a dangerous military adventure, the party said. 

The TKP warned that this pact, signed under the auspices of U.S. imperialism, chains Turkey’s military power to imperialist regional plans. The ruling AKP party is selling the agreement as regional powers mobilizing against Israel, but the TKP argues that this is untrue. In reality, they said, the U.S. is working systematically to remove points of resistance and realign the region to serve its own interests, with Turkey being recruited as a subcontractor for an “American peace” that strengthens Israel and weakens Iran. The TKP called for Turkey to withdraw from NATO and build relations on the basis of equality and sovereignty.

Sudan: An arena of geopolitical struggle

The Sudanese Communist Party assessed the current situation in Sudan and warned that more than three years after the outbreak of the devastating war, Sudan has become an arena for the broader geopolitical struggle unfolding across the region. On Sudanese soil, the interests of imperialist and regional powers intersect, with military calculations intertwined with competition for control over resources and strategic location.

The party noted that meetings held in Nairobi and London reflect a growing tendency to shift the management of the Sudanese crisis outside the country through political arrangements formulated in foreign capitals. These initiatives have been accompanied by attempts to reintroduce the so-called “Ta’sis” coalition as a partner in the political process while disregarding the criminal record of the Rapid Support Forces militia and the war crimes committed against civilians.

The longer the conflict continues, the greater the scope for foreign intervention and the deeper the country’s dependence on regional and international power blocs, the party said. Real peace, the party insists, will not be created in foreign capitals or imposed through sanctions. It can only be achieved by the Sudanese people through their independent struggle, building a grassroots front uniting national and democratic forces committed to the objectives of the December Revolution.

Canadian communists challenge war economy

The Communist Party of Canada (CPC) and the Communist Party of Quebec (PCQ-PCC) held a press conference to challenge the federal government’s proposed $150 billion war budget. National secretary of the PCQ-PCC, Adrien Welsh, and CPC leader, Drew Garvie, elaborated on the party’s campaign against the war economy. They contend that this military spending benefits weapons manufacturers and banks rather than working people. The party called for the reallocation of war economy funds to address pressing issues of affordability, healthcare, education, and housing. A campaign to send messages to Members of Parliament is ongoing.

Communist Party of Britain delivers medical aid to Cuba 

A delegation from the Communist Party of Britain (CPB) was received at Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health by Dr. Henry López Jimenez, deputy director of public health and a veteran of Cuba’s Medical Brigades in Mozambique. The delegation, led by CPB General Secretary Alex Gordon and Party Chair Lorraine Douglas, presented the Cuban health service with over £2,000 of medicines, an advance donation from the Aid for Cuba appeal recently launched by the CPB, which raised £32,000.

Dr. López Jimenez outlined the extreme privations created in Cuba’s world-renowned health system as a result of the U.S. blockade and sanctions regimes. Cuba’s infant mortality rate has increased as a direct consequence of the deliberate attack on the Cuban people’s health care system. Cuban surgeons and nurses have been forced to complete medical operations using light from their own mobile phones during power outages.

CPB General Secretary Alex Gordon told Cuban health officials: “The world looks in wonder and admiration at the immense health care achievements of the Cuban people’s revolution. Now the Trump regime’s medical blockade is causing what President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently called ‘collective punishment’ which already has the character of genocide.” He declared that the people of Britain stand by Cuba and that Britain’s communists stand by Cuba’s socialist and sovereign revolution.

KKE and KNE cadre joins firefighting efforts in Greece

As wildfires continued to sweep through regions of Greece, the firefighting teams of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Communist Youth of Greece (KNE) joined the effort to stop the spread of fires in West Aegialia. The fires burned agricultural and forest lands, vineyards, and olive groves there. Aerial firefighting equipment was absent while the fire burned in inaccessible areas, with continuous resurgences and strong winds, the party said. The KKE and KNE cadres joined the fight to extinguish the fires.

Portuguese communists fight hospital privatization

The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) criticized the transfer of National Health Service hospitals to charitable institutions, calling it another step toward privatization. The PCP stated that handing over these hospitals is in effect privatization, as in some cases it serves as a vehicle for transfer to private healthcare groups. The party pointed to the example of Serpa Hospital, handed over to a local charitable institution, where consultations do not function, the operating theatre has never functioned, and the emergency room opens sporadically. The PCP condemned these decisions and reaffirmed its commitment to defending, strengthening, and restoring the National Health Service as a central instrument for guaranteeing the right to health for the population.

Indian Communist Parties unite to overthrow the education minister

In May, one disgusting comment from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant about the unemployed youth being “cockroaches” inflamed the entire country of India, bringing students and youth across the country to protest the corruption and disdain of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for working class and agricultural people. On social media, a satirical Cockroach Janta Party (Cockroach People’s Party) sprang up. In the streets, young people from the Students Federation of India, the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), as well as other left mass organizations for youth and students, began hunger strikes and mass protests that merged millions of disenfranchised young people to fight for basic rights to equal education and jobs. 

Their protests lasted for days and then weeks, becoming places to develop organized demands and to build cultural spaces for celebration and unity. On July 25, the education minister stepped down due to their unrelenting pressure, a resounding victory for democratic forces. The atmosphere of fear stoked by the deeply anti-Muslim and communal BJP over its last 12 years in leadership has been broken. The courage and refusal of young people to bend to the BJP’s threats and violence fuels their ongoing demands for democracy and basic rights.

The opinions of the author do not necessarily reflect the positions of the CPUSA.

Images: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel at IMCWP 2026. CPUSA.