World Humanist Congress 2026
Join the biggest global movement to forge human-centered solutions and turn humanist ideals into powerful, real-world action.
Join the biggest global movement to forge human-centered solutions and turn humanist ideals into powerful, real-world action.
The World Humanist Congress (WHC) is not merely an event. It is the largest, most vital, and most influential international gathering of the global humanist movement. It stands as the essential centerpiece where the future of non-religious ethics and action is decided.
Held triennially, the WHC is the high-level forum that unifies the entire worldwide humanist, atheist, and secular community. You will join leading activists, scholars, officials, and visionary thinkers to foster learning, forge powerful collaborations, and define our collective strategy. This is where participants don’t just talk about change; they collectively address the world’s most pressing issues and reaffirm a shared, defiant commitment to core humanist values like reason, human rights, and secularism.
In 2026, the stakes are higher than ever. Organized by Humanists International and local partner Humanist Canada from 7 to 9 August in Ottawa, we will confront global threats head-on with our powerful theme: “Humanism As Resistance.”
*All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
This isn’t just a series of talks; it’s the global strategy summit for the humanist movement. The WHC 2026 program is an intense, three-day mobilization designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to enact real resistance. The final program is subject to adjustment; check back closer to the date for the latest schedule.
Pre-Congress Events:
1. The Inaugural International Military Humanist Chaplaincy Conference will be held on 6 August 2026 in Ottawa, Canada. This crucial one-day summit unites global Humanist Chaplains and secular care leaders to share their history and define the future of inclusive spiritual support in the military. Please note: This event requires separate registration. Fill out this form for more information
2. The Humanist Connections event, a full-day warm-up for the World Humanist Congress, will be held on 7 August 2026 in Ottawa, Canada. This event unites humanists from across Canada and the world for engaging conversations, shared experiences, creativity, and celebration, offering a variety of activities in both English and French to connect, share stories, and celebrate the global humanist community. Please note: This event requires separate registration. Complete this form to learn more
Don’t miss your chance to be at the forefront of the global humanist movement.
Book now!This Congress gathers the very best of the global humanist movement. You will not hear from mere academics; you will share the room with battle-tested activists, world-renowned scholars, celebrated public intellectuals, and those risking everything to champion reason and human rights in their home countries. All appearances are subject to speakers’ work and other scheduling commitments.
Maggie Ardiente is President of the Secular Coalition for America, a group of 20 diverse organizations representing atheists, agnostics, humanists, and other nonreligious Americans, whose mission is to advocate for equal rights and defend the separation of religion and government in the United States. She previously served for 12 years as Director of Development and Communications at the American Humanist Association, and is currently Vice President of Development at PFLAG National, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.
She has over 15 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, has appeared in national media such as NPR, Fox News, Washington Post, and Huffington Post, and has spoken at dozens of conferences, universities, government institutions, and local organizations on humanism in the United States. She lives in Washington, DC, with her spouse, Roy Speckhardt.
Andrew Copson was appointed Chief Executive of Humanists UK in 2009, having previously been its Director of Education and Public Affairs. He is a former director of the European Humanist Federation (EHF) and former head of the Humanists International delegation to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. He joined the Board of Humanists International in 2010 and served as President from 2015 to 2025. In his time as President, he led sweeping changes to Humanists International, making the General Assembly more democratic and the Board more globally diverse. He chaired the working group that developed the Amsterdam Declaration of Modern Humanism (2022). His best-selling books include The Little Book of Humanism (2020) with Alice Roberts and Secularism: a very short introduction (Oxford University Press, 2019).
Are you a thought leader, front-line activist, or scholar with expertise directly related to “Humanism As Resistance”? This is your opportunity to share your work with the global movement. Apply Here.
Early Bird Rates are available for a limited time. Don’t miss your chance to join the global humanist resistance.
The World Humanist Congress 2026 is hosted in the heart of Canada’s welcoming capital at The Westin Ottawa. We chose this location for its superior facilities, easy accessibility, and proximity to Ottawa’s key cultural and governmental sites.
To help you make the most of your stay, we will provide a special booking link in your confirmation email once you’ve purchased your ticket. This link allows you to book rooms at a huge discount, with the rate starting at $229 (CAD) plus tax. Rooms are limited, so please act quickly to secure this exclusive rate!
“The fight for a humanist world requires resources and dedication. We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, who demonstrate their commitment to the core humanist values that unify us all.”
The confirmed keynote speakers and the detailed program schedule will be announced soon as the event draws near in 2026; sign up for our mailing list now to receive immediate updates.
Registration will open on 17 November 2025. You will be able to register directly on this website. Early bird rates will be available for a limited time.
The standard registration fee includes access to all Congress sessions (keynotes, plenaries, parallel workshops) from August 7-9, 2026, as well as coffee/tea breaks and lunches provided on each full day. Separate tickets may be required for special events like the Gala Dinner.
No. Attendees travelling to the event must arrange their own accommodation. We will provide a very discounted booking link for a reduced room rate at Westin Ottawa.
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. We strongly recommend checking the official Government of Canada travel website well in advance of the Congress dates. Information on official invitation letters for visa applications will be available after registration.
Yes. The annual General Assembly is primarily a meeting for authorized delegates from Humanists International Member and Associate Organizations. However, the World Humanist Congress itself is open to all who wish to attend.
The choice is entirely yours! We encourage you to wear what you feel most comfortable in. You might see some guests taking a quick nap or changing clothes before dinner, while others immediately head out to experience Ottawa before meeting up for drinks later.
Yes. Details on the Westin Ottawa’s accessibility can be found here: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yowwi-the-westin-ottawa/overview/
Yes, discounts are available! We have secured special rates for both travel and accommodation.
Please register for the event now to receive your confirmation email containing all necessary discount codes and links!
Final spaces are filling quickly. Secure your ticket now before the Early Bird discount expires.
