World Pressenza
“Opening up the future: Change is possible and depends on our action”. An encouraging motto for the Sixth Open Assembly of the World Humanist Forum.
We are living in paradoxical times. Whilst human possibilities seem to be expanding on a scale and at a pace never before experienced, humanity as a whole is unable to find solutions to pressing probl
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We are living in paradoxical times. Whilst human possibilities seem to be expanding on a scale and at a pace never before experienced, humanity as a whole is unable to find solutions to pressing problems such as war, poverty, the nuclear threat, natural disasters and violence, which manifests itself in various forms in both the social and personal spheres.
Deep inside, people feel a profound sense of uncertainty about the future. In response to this, whilst some seek refuge in lost paradises, new generations are rising up across the globe, demanding a strong change of direction.
At the same time, numerous collective efforts towards positive transformation are emerging, which could form the seeds of change on a larger scale. All these initiatives can be strengthened through exchange and coordination within a common project, based on a structural and systemic understanding that goes beyond the limitations of each specific issue.
This is the general framework set out by the World Humanist Forum for its sixth Open Assembly, to be held on 28 and 29 November 2026 under the title ‘Opening up the Future: Change is possible and depends on our action’.
The challenge in breaking free from the current impasse is to foster the growth of human society through coherent and supportive collective action, starting from the grassroots and extending to the wider community, whilst simultaneously cultivating a renewal of our inner selves towards non violent attitudes.
Recognising the fundamental fact that unites us as human beings and valuing the richness of cultural diversity as contributions to the building of a Universal Human Nation that guarantees a dignified life for every inhabitant of the Earth is the vision for the future that serves as the guiding principle of the World Humanist Forum.
The Sixth Assembly will provide an opportunity for gathering, dialogue, reflection and joint planning, which will strengthen the work currently being carried out by its thematic working groups. The spirit that will animate the gathering will be to tackle with determination the transformation of our own behaviour and of the world around us.
The programme for the Sixth Assembly of the World Humanist Forum
Adopting a hybrid format—combining in-person meetings with virtual connections that enable activists from all cultures to engage with one another—the Assembly will begin with a moment of collective reflection, following which an audiovisual summary will be presented on some of the activities carried out between 21 September and 2 October as part of the Fourth World March for Peace and Non-Violence ‘In My City’.
A brief report will follow on the conclusions of the Eighth Humanist Forum in Morocco, which took place in Tangier under the theme ‘The Power of New Humanism for the Future’.
After that, the various Thematic Tables of the World Humanist Forum will discuss the work they have been carrying out, supported by audiovisual material. Then, there will be an opportunity for discussion in different rooms on how to awaken people’s inner faith so that they may pursue their highest aspirations, thereby opening up their future, and what actions are needed to make this possible.
The second day of the Sixth Assembly
On the second day, deliberations will focus on the tasks ahead. The World Humanist Forum promotes a vision of a growing process in the development of its activities; far from coming to an end with the conclusion of an event, planning for future work is essential, which is why this stage of the Assembly is of key importance.
Each Thematic Table will meet in separate virtual rooms to analyse the programme and the actions to be carried out in the follow up of the Assembly.
Finally, the participants will be invited to adhere to a Commitment to contribute to the construction of the Universal Human Nation in the way they choose to do it.
The Thematic Tables
In line with the significant movement towards far-reaching transformation currently led by the younger generations, the Forum will launch its Youth Thematic Table at this Assembly, which will present its framework to the plenary.
Similarly, the Humanist Embassy will outline the foundations of the newly established Parallel Diplomacy Table, promoting civil society participation in international mediation processes.
The thematic areas covered by the World Humanist Forum, which are always open to new initiatives, include Health, Human Rights, Social Ecology, Education, Decolonisation, Peace and Disarmament, proposals for profound change in the economic system – including a Universal Basic Income – and the fight against gender-based violence. Furthermore, other working groups investigate revolutions and psychosocial phenomena, humanist moments and attitudes within ancestral cultures, and the proposal to create a World Citizens’ Assembly.
There is intense activity in the field of Sport for Peace and Development, as well as within the Thematic Table that provides guidance on practices for inner development of the human being.
Furthermore, Music, Art and Culture as a way to foster peace and non-violence, occupy an important place on the Forum’s agenda, as does the promotion of alternatives to ensure healthy Nutrition and Food Sovereignty for the population.
The work of the Thematic Table dedicated to training in Non-Violent Journalism has undergone an interesting development, as has that of the Politics and Geopolitics Roundtable, which has been deepening its understanding and developing proposals in response to events occurring in this sphere.
The World Humanist Forum
The World Humanist Forum is a diverse platform that draws up proposals and carries out actions aimed at simultaneous social and personal transformation in the face of the challenges posed by the current global situation.
It is characterised by ongoing work in various areas, and its aim is to engage with a wide range of social, academic and institutional sectors to promote proposals for change and experiences of humanisation.
The World Humanist Forum began its work in Moscow in 1993 on the initiative of Silo, the founder of the Humanist Movement. On that occasion, the Russian Academy of Sciences awarded Silo the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa in recognition of his outstanding work and career in the promotion of humanism and non-violence, as well as his intellectual contributions in the fields of social sciences, politics, sociology and psychology, and his work as a champion of world peace.
The Forum is open to every individual and organization, with the only requirement for participation of the willingness to help the human beings leave violence and discrimination behind, by playing an active part in a mission of historic significance.
As on previous occasions, this Assembly is expected to be attended by hundreds of activists, associations and groups from every continent, representing the widest possible cultural diversity.
The event will feature simultaneous interpretation into English, French, Spanish and Swahili.
To take part in the Sixth Assembly of the World Humanist Forum and receive the link to join the virtual meeting, please register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PbkF-pDnRkCF1_jkubbx6A#/registration
For further information about the Forum and its Sixth Assembly, please contact info@worldhumanistforum.org