This speech, delivered by David Pineda at the 2025 General Assembly in Luxembourg, was offered on behalf of the entire Humanists International board, capturing their collective appreciation, admiration, and heartfelt thanks for Andrew Copson’s transformative leadership and enduring legacy.
David Pineda is a board member of Humanists International, the founder and president of Humanistas Guatemala, formerly know as Asociación Guatemalteca de Humanistas Seculares (AGHS), and an engineer and entrepreneur
Dear friends, distinguished members of the Board, delegates, colleagues.
Today is a moment of gratitude and reflection. A moment that is bittersweet. Because today we say goodbye, at least in formal terms, to someone whose presence has not only shaped this organization but has touched each of us personally: Andrew Copson.
I stand here not only as a fellow member of this Board but as someone who has had the privilege of calling Andrew a mentor, a colleague, and a dear friend.
From the very first day I joined Humanists International, Andrew was already a towering presence not just because of his eloquence or leadership, but because of the way he genuinely welcomed everyone, especially those of us coming from the global south. He listened, he understood, and more importantly, he acted. Let me tell you, the first meeting I participated in, I was terrified. Andrew helped me and put me at ease by listening and making me feel welcomed.
In my own journey, I can say without hesitation: I could not imagine these past years on the Board without Andrew’s steady hand and thoughtful guidance. His voice has often been the one I sought when I needed clarity, or courage, or a reminder of why we do what we do.
Andrew’s decade as President was not simply a term of service. It was a transformational era for Humanists International.
Under his leadership, we expanded our reach to corners of the world where humanism was not yet present. Andrew made sure that we did not remain a Eurocentric organization. He championed partnerships, supported new member organizations, and brought visibility to the struggles and the courage of humanists in the global south.
He also spearheaded important structural changes that made our organization more democratic, transparent, and inclusive. Changes that ensure that we are living our humanist values, through how we govern ourselves, how we treat each other, and how we prioritize our work. Thanks to Andrew’s vision, we are truly a global community.
But beyond the institutional changes, what I will remember most about Andrew is his humanity.
How he would always take the time to speak to the newest delegate in the room. How he handled pressure with grace and responded to disagreement with genuine curiosity. How he held strong convictions, yet always made space for dialogue.
There were moments, many of us remember them, when things felt uncertain, or when we were stretched thin by global crises. In those moments, Andrew was calm, thoughtful, and grounded. He reminded us what mattered. He brought us back to the purpose that unites us.
And let me say this personally: there were many times I doubted myself or wondered if I belonged in these spaces. Andrew was one of the people who reminded me that I did. I’ll never forget that.
Andrew, you leave behind a legacy that will last well beyond your time on this Board. Your leadership has helped write a critical chapter in the history of Humanists International. You have helped build an organization that is kinder, braver, and more connected.
We know this is not really goodbye. We know your voice, your presence, and your wisdom will continue to shape this movement in new ways. But today, we want to say thank you.
Thank you for your unwavering leadership. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for believing in this movement, and for believing in us.
So let us not say farewell, but rather: onward. May the path ahead bring new adventures, new ideas, and new ways for you to continue doing what you do best: building a more humanist world.
Thank you, Andrew.