On 17 October 2026, the Humanist Society (Singapore) (HSS) celebrated its 16th anniversary with “Stories from Afar”, an event featuring insights and experiences from two major international humanist gatherings in Luxembourg and Canada.
Moments from our anniversary:
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HSS representatives Sree and Eugene shared highlights from the International Humanist Conference 2025 in Luxembourg City and the World Humanist Congress 2026 in Ottawa.
Their presentations explored how humanist organisations worldwide are promoting scientific literacy, defending human rights, strengthening secular communities and translating humanist values into practical action.
Promoting Scientific Literacy in Luxembourg
Held from 4 to 6 July 2025, the International Humanist Conference in Luxembourg brought together approximately 150 participants under the theme “From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Open Societies through Scientific Literacy”.
Sree and Eugene highlighted several innovative initiatives that made science more accessible to the public.
The Romanian Secular Humanist Association developed science-themed calendars featuring significant discoveries and historical milestones. Rather than selling them, the organisation distributed the calendars to teachers to encourage curiosity and scientific learning among students.
Photos below, moments from the trip to Luxembourg:
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Meanwhile, Humanistas Guatemala introduced “Science in a Box”, providing hands-on experiments in electricity, mechanics, optics and biology to children in rural communities with limited access to science education.
Another initiative involved Luxembourg-based science podcaster Hanna Siemaszko, who helps scientists and researchers communicate complex scientific concepts through engaging audio content.
The representatives also reflected on meeting Mubarak Bala, a Nigerian humanist activist who was imprisoned for four and a half years. His experience underscored the importance of international solidarity in defending freedom of belief and expression.
Humanism as Resistance in Ottawa
The World Humanist Congress, held from 7 to 9 August 2026 in Ottawa, attracted approximately 500 participants under the theme “Humanism as Resistance”.
Hosted by Humanist Canada, the congress examined how humanists could respond to rising authoritarianism, religious nationalism and anti-science misinformation.
Photos below, moments from the trip to Ottawa:
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One memorable session featured current and former parliamentarians from Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom, who encouraged greater civic participation. Their central message was that meaningful change requires individuals to show up, get involved and persevere, even when progress appears slow.
Philosopher A.C. Grayling reinforced this message in his closing keynote, distinguishing between wishful thinking and rational hope. He argued that genuine progress depends on critical thinking, community engagement and concrete action rather than simply hoping for improvement.
The representatives also highlighted Presto Misto, a community space and café established by Czech humanists in Prague. The initiative demonstrated how welcoming physical spaces could foster meaningful connections among non-religious individuals, particularly young people.
A spontaneous street encounter with a Christian evangelist provided another memorable lesson. What began as a disagreement eventually became a respectful exchange, with participants acknowledging one another’s freedom of belief and non-belief.
Strengthening International Humanist Connections
Both conferences included General Assemblies of Humanists International, the global umbrella organisation representing more than 120 member organisations and associated groups.
Notable developments included the election of Maggie Ardiente as President in 2025, the adoption of the Luxembourg Declaration on AI and Human Values, and the Ottawa Declaration on “Humanism as Resistance” in 2026.
Reflecting on their experiences at the Anniversary, the HSS representatives emphasised the importance of grassroots initiatives, youth engagement, scientific literacy and active participation in public life. They also recognised that humanist communities face different challenges depending on their local circumstances.
Other moments at the Anniversary:
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As a longstanding member of Humanists International, HSS has participated in international gatherings for more than a decade and hosted regional conferences in Singapore in 2015 and 2024.
The anniversary sharing highlighted how exchanges with humanists worldwide can inspire local initiatives and strengthen a shared commitment to reason, evidence and compassion.
The next World Humanist Congress is scheduled to take place in Lima, Peru, in 2027.
