The General Assembly of the Comité international des sciences historiques (CISH) has adopted a new Constitution
At its congress marking the centennial of its founding on 14 May 1926, the Comité international des sciences historiques (CISH) held its General Assembly in the presence of 41 delegates from national committees and affiliated organisations.
On this occasion, the General Assembly adopted a new Constitution, enabling CISH to professionalize its structures and become a more agile organisation. The reform, prepared by the Board since March 2025 through an extensive consultation with the organisation’s members, refocuses the Constitution on core principles.
The new Constitution notably:
- clarifies CISH’s mission, affirming its role as the world organisation of historians committed to academic freedom, scholarly standards, human rights and the responsible public use of history;
- reorganises CISH’s governance, distinguishing the General Assembly, the Board, the Presidium and a professional Office led by an Executive Director;
- opens individual membership to scholars not represented through a national committee;
- gives the Board the final decision on future Congress venues, based on a shortlist established by the General Assembly, to strengthen CISH’s negotiating position;
- introduces flexible terms of office (three to five years), aligned with a more flexible Congress cycle
These changes give CISH a clearer and more transparent constitutional framework for the future, combining institutional continuity with modern governance. The two explanatory notes detailing the reform process and the discussions held at the Preliminary General Assembly are available here and here.