Humanists all over the world have been alarmed by the escalating religious nationalism and decline in human rights protections in the United States. Many of us now consider it undesirable, unsafe, and for many from Global South countries, literally impossible to travel to and enter the U.S.
As a direct result of this situation, created by policies of the current administration that undermine secularism and fundamental freedoms, American Atheists, which was set to host and organize the Washington, D.C., Congress, has decided it is no longer possible to host our global humanist community there.
We thank American Atheists for the thoughtful and collaborative way they reached this decision, and we truly appreciate their concern for the welfare of our global community.
Humanists International is absolutely delighted to announce that the 2026 World Humanist Congress will now be held in Canada! As a stable, inclusive, and rights-affirming environment, Canada will allow us to convene an event that truly reflects humanist values. We’ve already had very positive discussions with Canadian authorities about how they can help humanists come together in their country, and Canadian humanists are looking forward to welcoming us.
Humanist Canada and Humanists International have now formed a partnership to work together and deliver an exciting and inspiring Congress which aims to bring together humanists from all over the world safely in Ottawa on the weekend of 7-9 August 2026. For more information, please visit https://worldhumanistcongress.org/
More information will be announced in the coming weeks, but we eagerly anticipate a successful and inspiring World Humanist Congress in Canada in 2026. This gathering will affirm humanist values at a time of growing peril and provide a vital space for our global community to connect and collaborate.
Andrew Copson, President of Humanists International, said:
“The decision to relocate the 2026 World Humanist Congress from the United States to Canada reflects our commitment to convening in an environment that upholds humanist values of freedom, inclusivity, and human rights.Current United States policies have made it impossible to host our global community there. We are immensely grateful for the collaborative spirit of Humanist Canada, and we’re enthusiastic about the opportunities this move represents. It provides safety and accessibility for our diverse global community, particularly those from the Global South, and a powerful platform to reaffirm our shared principles at a time when they are increasingly under threat.”
Welcome Message from Martin Frith, President of Humanist Canada:
“On behalf of Humanist Canada, we are thrilled to welcome you to Canada for the 2026 World Humanist Congress. Canada, with its commitment to human rights and inclusive pluralism, is proud to host this vital gathering of humanist voices from every corner of the globe.
We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by Humanists International and for the thoughtful collaboration of our colleagues at American Atheists. Their decision to prioritize the safety, accessibility, and integrity of our shared movement reflects the very best of humanist leadership.
Together with Humanists International, we are committed to creating a Congress that is not only engaging and inspiring but also a true reflection of the resilience and solidarity of the global humanist movement. We look forward to welcoming you to Ottawa from August 7–9, 2026—and to building, together, a future rooted in reason, compassion, and hope.”