The 2026 World Humanist Congress opened yesterday evening in Ottawa. Under the theme “Humanism as Resistance,” participants will spend the next two days discussing what humanism can contribute in an era of growing authoritarianism, religious nationalism, polarization, and disinformation.
Maggie Ardiente, President of Humanists International, welcomed humanists from around the world:
After host Martin Frith of Humanist Canada also welcomed the humanists, philosopher Rebecca Newberger Goldstein set the first substantive tone of the convention.
Starting with Spinoza, she drew a connection to entropy and ethics, as well as to the question of what people around the world can do to counter the forces of decay and disorder. She urged us not to accept the forces that are driving our world apart: indifference, irrationality, violence, dehumanization, and the erosion of democratic institutions.
Our delegation is looking forward to two busy days at the conference and to meeting many international friends and colleagues.
Bild: Humanistischer Verband Deutschlands | Bundesverband
