From 27 to 31 October, experts from various European countries gathered at the Humanist University in Berlin to discuss the ethical issues and challenges currently facing humanist existential care.
The conference, organised by the European Humanist Services Network, focused on fundamental questions of dignified care: How can people be cared for professionally while maintaining their dignity, freedom and vulnerability? This expert meeting provided a platform for in-depth professional discussions and networking opportunities for European humanist existential care organisations.
The event featured contributions from renowned experts from across Europe, including Liz Young from Middlesex University in London, Lindsay de Wal from the UK’s National Health Service, Ingun Steen Andersen from Human-Etisk Forbund in Norway, Adelheid Rigo from Vrije Universiteit in Brussels, Carmen Schuhmann from the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, and Daniela Staack from the Humanist Association of Berlin-Brandenburg. Best practices were exchanged and future approaches to humanist existential care were further developed in specialist lectures, workshops and discussion rounds.
‘We are delighted that the Humanist University Berlin hosted this groundbreaking conference,’ said Sven Thale, representative of the Humanist Association of Germany for Humanist Existential Care in Institutions. ‘The conference demonstrated the value of international networking and professional exchange, creating new contacts that will promote the development of humanist existential care in Europe in the long term.’
The consistently positive feedback from participants highlights the growing interest in humanistic existential care, which considers the whole person, across Europe. The expert meeting established new collaborations and laid the groundwork for future international partnerships.