The 2026 World Humanist Congress will be held in Ottawa, Canada, after organizers moved the event from Washington, D.C. [1].
The decision reflects growing international concern regarding the stability of secular spaces. By relocating the congress, Humanists International aims to protect the safety and inclusivity of its delegates amidst a shifting political climate in the U.S.
Organizers said rising religious nationalism in the U.S. was the primary reason for the venue change [2]. They said the environment in Washington, D.C. posed a risk to the goals of a secular gathering, which requires an atmosphere of openness and safety for all participants.
Ottawa is now expected to host approximately 500 delegates [3] for the global event. The congress serves as a primary meeting point for humanist leaders and activists from around the world to discuss the promotion of reason, ethics, and social justice.
Humanists International manages the congress to foster global cooperation among non-religious organizations. The shift to Ontario ensures that the 2026 proceedings can continue without the specific security risks associated with the current American political landscape [2].
While the exact dates for the 2026 event have not been specified in official reports, the move to Canada marks a significant departure from the original planning phases. The organization continues to coordinate with local partners in Ottawa to prepare for the arrival of the international delegation [1, 3].
“The 2026 World Humanist Congress will be held in Ottawa, Canada”
The relocation of a major international secular summit from the U.S. capital to Canada signals a perceived decline in the viability of the United States as a neutral or safe host for non-religious global events. It highlights a growing tension between organized secularism and the rise of religious-political movements in American public life.
