Report on the Humanist Events in Luxembourg – 4th to 6th July 2025

From the 4th to the 6th of July 2025, Luxembourg-City became the meeting point for humanists from across Europe and the world. Over three days, three major events took place at the National Sports and Culture Centre d’Coque, each reflecting the growing strength, diversity, and responsibility of the international humanist movement.

1. European Policy Forum (4 July 2025)

The first in-person meeting of the Humanists International European Policy Forum marked a significant moment of connection and collaboration. Member organizations from across Europe met face-to-face for the first time (after previous online meetings), engaging in dialogue around key policy concerns affecting secularism, education, human rights, and democratic values on the European level. The forum helped build strategic alignment between humanist associations and strengthened the collective voice of European humanism in the face of authoritarianism, religious interference, and democratic backsliding.

2. International Humanist Conference (5 July 2025)

Organized by AHA Lëtzebuerg in partnership with Humanists International, the 2025 International Humanist Conference focused on the theme “From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Open Societies through Scientific Literacy.”

Two keynote speakers opened the day with powerful addresses on the erosion of liberal democratic norms and the attacks on science as a public resource and a tool for democratic agency. The talks set the tone for a day of practical inspiration: ten speakers shared a wide range of effective initiatives aimed at strengthening scientific literacy in children, youth, and adults. From grassroots educational projects to institutional reform efforts, the conference showcased concrete strategies for equipping citizens to think critically, navigate complex information ecosystems, and actively participate in open societies.

3. General Assembly of Humanists International (6 July 2025)

The concluding event was the General Assembly (GA) of Humanists International, where delegates from around the world gathered to review organizational progress and elect new leadership. A major outcome of the GA was the adoption of the Luxembourg Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Human Values—a timely and forward-looking statement affirming the need for human rights, dignity, transparency, and democratic oversight in the development and deployment of AI systems. The declaration underlines the responsibility of the humanist movement to engage with the societal transformations brought about by new technologies.

The Assembly also elected Maggie Ardiente as the new President of Humanists International. Monica Belitoiu, Nina Fjeldheim, and Fraser Sutherland were elected as members of the Board, reflecting the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and international representation.

As Andrew Copson stepped down from his long-standing role as President, heartfelt tributes honored his immense contributions. Leo Igwe, representing many humanists from the Global South, emphasized Andrew’s role in transforming Humanists International into a truly global and inclusive space—one that offers solidarity and protection for humanists in countries where being non-religious can be dangerous.

A particularly moving moment was the first in-person meeting with Mubarak Bala from Nigeria, who had been imprisoned for his humanist activism and had recently been released thanks to the persistent efforts of humanist organizations worldwide. His presence at the GA stood as a powerful symbol of resilience, justice, and international solidarity.

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These three events not only celebrated the strength of the humanist community, but also reaffirmed its global responsibility in a rapidly changing world. Luxembourg was honoured to host this historic gathering, and AHA Lëtzebuerg remains committed to advancing the values of reason, compassion, human dignity, and democratic engagement that were so clearly and courageously articulated throughout this memorable weekend.