Humanist delegates from 80 organisations across 50 countries convened in Luxembourg over the weekend for the general assembly of Humanists International. The weekend saw Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson step down from his role as President of Humanists International after 10 years in office and 15 years on the Board. Maggie Ardiente, previously of the American Humanist Association and current President of the Secular Coalition for America, was elected his successor.
Andrew was appointed an Ambassador to Humanists International, joining the ranks of Pakistani human rights activist Gulalai Ismail and Nepalese campaigner Uttam Niraula. He was also presented with the organisation’s Distinguished Service to Humanism Award, and received additional honours from humanist organisations from India, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Ghana in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of humanism in the global south.
Decade of change
Andrew’s presidency marked a decisive period of transformation and expansion for Humanists International. Membership numbers rose significantly, alongside a striking increase in organisational diversity. Under his leadership, representation of African, South American, and Asian member organisations grew, with many playing a greater role in governance and policy formation.
The organisation evolved from a mainly voluntary structure into a professionalised international NGO with a team of expert staff led by Chief Executive Gary McLelland.
During this time, Humanists International also expanded its influence on the world stage, producing the landmark Freedom of Thought Report each year, developing the End Blasphemy Laws campaign, and securing more sustained engagement with global institutions including the United Nations and the European Union.
Mubarak Bala is safe
Among the most urgent and impactful developments of the past decade was the creation of the Humanists at Risk programme. Through this, the organisation has supported numerous individuals facing threats to their lives and liberties because of their humanist activism, campaigning, or beliefs.
Humanists UK representatives were delighted to meet Mubarak Bala in person in Luxembourg following the success of a years-long international campaign for his release from prison in Nigeria. He had been imprisoned on charges of ‘blasphemy’ in retaliation for his outspoken humanism. Humanists UK had organised public protests, held high-level meetings with the Nigerian High Commission and the UK Foreign Office, and secured over 50 parliamentary mentions of his case, with more at the United Nations. At the end of 2024, Mubarak was successfully relocated to Germany with support from Humanists UK’s sister organisation Humanistische Vereinigung.
Other events
The weekend conference was hosted by Humanists UK’s Luxembourg sister organisation, the Alliance of Humanists, Atheists, and Agnostics, and took as its theme ‘From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Open Societies through Scientific Literacy’. Fittingly, the weekend saw members of Humanists International pass the Luxembourg Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Human Values, which calls for ethical oversight of AI to uphold democratic values, safeguard human rights, and protect those most at risk of exploitation.
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Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
Humanists International is the global representative body of the humanist movement, founded in 1952, and uniting humanist organisations from over 60 countries. It supports and defends humanists at risk, advocates for human rights and secularism, and promotes humanist values on the global stage.