The sold out event, attended by over 500 humanists from 41 countries, confronted global threats head on under the powerful theme “Humanism As Resistance.” Activists, scholars and leaders from around the world came together to discuss non-religious ethics, forge powerful collaborations and define the collective strategy of the global humanist movement.
Meet Our Newly Elected Board Members
The weekend culminated in the General Assembly, where new positions to the Board were elected.
Leo Igwe was elected as Vice President. Leo is both a scholar and an activist, holding a B.Phil and an M.A. in philosophy from Seat of Wisdom Seminary Owerri and the University of Calabar in Nigeria, along with a doctoral degree in religious studies from the University of Bayreuth in Germany. Before turning to the academic study of religion, Igwe founded the Nigerian Humanist Movement, now the Humanist Association of Nigeria. His research interests include witchcraft, religion and atheism in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zambia.
Speaking of his new role, Leo struck a determined tone:
“As the Vice President I will relentlessly work to ensure that Humanists International effectively addresses the threat of religious nationalism, and extremism and provides a robust alternative to dogmatic religions and supernatural faiths to all who subscribe to humanist values, ethics and cosmology around the globe.”
Adrián Núñez was elected as the Board Member for Latin America. Adrián is a Peruvian humanist activist and Vice President of the Peruvian Association of Atheists (APERAT), which he co-founded in 2009. His work focuses on challenging religious privilege and defending freedom of belief and expression in a predominantly religious society. Through APERAT, he has led public campaigns and media initiatives promoting secularism, critical thinking and equal rights for the non-religious, while building support networks for those facing discrimination because of their beliefs.
His commitment to the cause came through as Adrián shared:
“For over 15 years, I’ve been working on the ground to defend freedom of belief and advocate for secularism in a very traditional society…My aim is to help our countries work closer together and find better ways to stand against rising religious fundamentalism. I’m truly eager to put everything I’ve learned at the service of Humanists International and help out in any way I can.”
A.J. Surin was elected as the Board Member for Asia. A.J. is a human rights lawyer and the Founder and President of Humanists Malaysia. He specializes in constitutional and sensitive legal cases concerning apostasy, statelessness and the rights of humanists, the LGBTQ+ community and indigenous populations in Southeast Asia. He actively leads regional advocacy initiatives, organizing both the 2025 ASEAN Freedom of Thought Forum and the 2026 Asian Humanist Conference.
Looking ahead to the work of the Board, A.J. shared his vision:
“I would like to strategize and champion the mainstreaming of humanism in Asia; including to make humanism cool amongst young Asians. With other humanist leaders, I would like to assist & cooperate in the creation of a global training institute for existing & future humanist leaders… I know that the growth of humanism is not done in spurts but with core & passionate teams of people who are relentless and who understand that sustained efforts are important.”
Alavari Jeevathol was elected as Board Member (aged 35 years or under). AJ serves as National Coordinator of Young Humanists UK. His particular focus is on young humanists, dialogue between faith and belief groups based on shared humanistic spirituality and apostate refugee support. He also strives to work on issues of ecological sustainability for future generations.
Discussing his priorities, AJ pointed to the next generation:
“I hope to serve Humanists International in more capacities beyond a next Board term. The nurturing of young humanist successors is a top priority.”
Farewell to Roslyn Mould
The World Humanist Congress also marked the departure of Roslyn Mould, who is stepping down from her position as Vice President of the Board. Roslyn has served on the Board since 2019 and as Vice President since 2023, the first African Board member to hold this position.
Reflecting on her departure, Roslyn made the following statement:
“As I conclude my tenure, I do so with a heart filled with gratitude and appreciation. It has been one of the greatest privileges to serve this remarkable organization. I am deeply honored and sincerely thankful for the confidence and trust that Humanists International has placed in me by electing me to serve our organization consistently for 12 good years.”
The Distinguished Services to Humanism Awards
Roslyn Mould was awarded a Distinguished Services to Humanism Award for her pioneering work promoting humanism across Africa. The same award was given to Norman (Norm) Robert Allen Jr, who served as Executive Director of African Americans for Humanism from 1991 to 2010 and edited its quarterly the AAH Examiner as well as two anthologies on Black humanism. He spent decades promoting secularism within the African American community and across the African continent, helping organise the first humanist conference in sub Saharan Africa in 2001.
The Ottawa Declaration on Humanism as Resistance
Following this year’s theme, delegates agreed ‘The Ottawa Declaration on Humanism as Resistance’. The declaration affirms that humanism is not just a set of values but an active approach to life. It stands against the global resurgence of authoritarianism and warmongering. The declaration also calls on humanists to step up in the public square with courage and confidence. Read the full declaration here.
The General Assembly also resolved to mandate the Board to initiate a comprehensive governance review focusing on term limits for the Board and the establishment of an Electoral Commission.
Looking Forward to Peru 2027
The General Assembly concluded with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming World Humanist Congress in Lima, Peru in August 2027.
Humanists International extends its deepest thanks to its cohosts, Humanist Canada, for helping to organize this year’s event.
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