Originally scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., the 2026 World Humanist Congress was relocated to Ottawa, with organizers citing concerns about accessibility and participation for international delegates as a result of escalating religious nationalism and human rights issues in the United States. Ottawa was selected for its inclusive and rights-affirming environment, allowing for an event that reflects humanist values.

Hosted by Humanist Canada and Humanists International, the Congress will be held under the theme Humanism as Resistance, bringing together leading thinkers to explore how humanist principles can be translated into effective action addressing global challenges including rising authoritarianism, religious nationalism, and the spread of anti-science disinformation.

Keynote speakers include philosopher Rebecca Goldstein, recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and National Medal of the Humanities, and Professor A.C. Grayling, philosopher and Vice President of Humanists UK. The program will also feature international panels examining democracy, human rights, secular governance, and the role of humanist organizations in addressing today’s social and political challenges.

“Humanism is a growing global movement grounded in compassion, critical thinking, and a commitment to human rights. As more Canadians move away from organized religion, many are still looking for connection and a framework for living ethical and meaningful lives. The World Humanist Congress provides an opportunity to demonstrate how humanist principles strengthen communities, support democracy, and address the most pressing challenges facing society today.”
— Janalee Morris, Executive Director of Humanist Canada

In Canada, Statistics Canada data shows a continued rise in the number of people reporting no religious affiliation, with more than 34% of Canadians reported having no religious affiliation in the 2021 Census, up from 24% in 2001. Researchers estimate that figure may now be approaching 40% of the population. Humanist Canada has seen notable increases in membership and a 200% expansion in local chapters. Internationally, Humanists International now represents more than 160 organizations across over 80 countries.

For over fifty years, Humanist Canada has been at the forefront of social change in Canada, advocating for human rights and evidence-informed public policy. The Congress provides an opportunity to showcase the organization’s expanding programs that help Canadians mark life milestones and access non-religious support services.

The Humanist Officiant Program trains individuals across Ontario to perform weddings, naming ceremonies, and end-of-life services. With more than 160 trained officiants, the program reflects a growing demand for meaningful rituals outside of religious traditions. Humanist Canada is also developing a Humanist Chaplaincy program to provide non-religious pastoral care in military, healthcare, educational, and correctional settings. The year-long program incorporates ethics, psychology, and trauma-informed care. The initiative responds to the need for secular support in institutional settings, including within the Canadian Armed Forces where the organization established the first Humanist chaplains in the military in Canada and North America.

The Congress will include the first international gathering of Humanist military chaplains, bringing together practitioners working in secular pastoral care across military and institutional settings.

For more information, visit www.worldhumanistcongress.org.