The 2026 World Humanist Congress Comes to Canada

Humanist Canada to co-host with Humanists International in Ottawa, August 7–9, 2026

Humanist Canada is pleased to announce that the 2026 World Humanist Congress will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, from August 7 to 9, 2026, in partnership with Humanists International.

Originally planned for Washington, D.C., it has been relocated to Canada in response to the increasingly hostile political and human rights climate in the United States. Concerns over rising religious nationalism, the erosion of secularism, and accessibility—especially for participants from the Global South—led our colleagues at American Atheists to make the difficult yet principled decision to step down as hosts.

“The decision to relocate the 2026 World Humanist Congress from the United States to Canada reflects our commitment to convening in an environment that upholds humanist values of freedom, inclusivity, and human rights. We are immensely grateful for the collaborative spirit of Humanist Canada, and we’re enthusiastic about the opportunities this move represents.”
— Andrew Copson, President, Humanists International

Humanist Canada is honoured to co-host this international gathering. We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by Humanists International. In partnership, we are committed to delivering a Congress that reflects the best of Canada’s rights-affirming values and embodies the Humanist principles of freedom, reason, dignity, and compassion.

“On behalf of Humanist Canada, we are thrilled to welcome all Humanists, Atheists, Agnostics and secular communities to Ottawa for the 2026 World Humanist Congress. Together with Humanists International, we are committed to creating a Congress that is not only engaging and inspiring but also a true reflection of the resilience and solidarity of the global humanist movement. We look forward to welcoming you to Ottawa—and to building, together, a future rooted in reason, compassion, and hope.” 
— Martin Frith, President, Humanist Canada

In these uncertain times, the World Humanist Congress will provide a vital space for our global community to connect, collaborate, and reaffirm our shared commitment to humanist values. It will be a moment to learn, to strategize, and to inspire one another as we collectively advocate for a more just, secular, and humane world.

We look forward to welcoming humanists from every corner of the world to Ottawa in 2026. Together, let’s create a Congress that will stand as a beacon of solidarity, inclusion, and humanist hope.

June 23, 2025
Humanist Canada