An international human rights forum is set to bring 500 delegates from more than 40 countries to Ottawa after the event was relocated from Washington, D.C.
Citing concerns about accessibility, religious nationalism and human rights issues in the United States, the organizers of the 2026 World Humanist Congress said they decided to bring their event to the Canadian capital. The congress is scheduled to take place at The Westin Ottawa from Aug. 7-9.
In a press release, the organizers said 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 is one of largest international gatherings for humanism, secularism, human rights and democratic values.
“Humanism is a growing global movement grounded in compassion, critical thinking, and a commitment to human rights,” said Janalee Morris, executive director of Humanist Canada.
“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.”
Representatives from 48 countries will attend, with this year’s event exploring how humanist principles can be used to address global challenges such as authoritarianism and scientific disinformation.
Keynote speakers will be Rebecca Goldstein, recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and National Medal of Humanities, and Professor A.C. Grayling, philosopher and vice-president of Humanists UK.
Humanist Canada, which said it’s seen a notable increase in membership in recent years, has been advocating for human rights and public policy for more than 50 years.
“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 organization said in the release.
Some of its offerings include the humanist officiant program, which trains individuals in Ontario to perform non-religious weddings, naming ceremonies and end-of-life services; and the humanist chaplaincy program, to provide non-religious pastoral care in military, health-care, educational and correction settings.
According to the release, the Ottawa congress will feature the first international gathering of humanist military chaplains.
