On August 2, 2023, I arrived Copenhagen for the World Humanist Congress. The event took place at the Scandic Hotel Copenhagen, Denmark. As he did for other attendees from Africa, Nigerian humanist, Leo Igwe was at the airport to welcome me. He brought me back to Steel House Copenhagen, where I lodged.
I arrived during the daytime and after I had successfully checked in, Igwe suggested that we met Claus Larsen, a Danish humanist, a major Johann Sebastian Bach-fan, and accidental slayer of sky rats”. Larsen is a nice and lively fellow. He took us around, showing us important places and statutes in Copenhagen, including where alleged witches were beaten and burnt. I should add, Mr. Claus Larsen had good jokes to tell. And, I enjoyed the tour.
Attending the World Humanists Congress was an incredibly enlightening and memorable experience. The event brought together like-minded individuals from around the world who shared a common belief in humanism and its values. I met humanists such as Ros Lyn (whom I have heard so much from Dr. Igwe), Javan Pablavdor(whom I have been working with for a while), Wonderful from Malawi, (whom I have always assumed to be a heavily built person), Emma Wordsworth, Andrew Copson, Gary, Bolelang, Roar, etc. I have only seen these people online and I felt honored to meet them in real life.
The congress began with an opening ceremony that created an atmosphere of unity and excitement. Humanist speakers such as Sandi Toksvig Thorbjørn Jagland, Andrew Copson, and others delivered inspiring speeches emphasizing the importance or role of humanism to promote democracy, human rights, and equality, protecting the LGBTQIA+ community and defending other humanists at risk such as Mubarak Bala who is currently serving an outrageous 24 years jail term in Nigeria. I need to add that Sandi Toksvig delivered a powerful and inspiring speech that she received a standing ovation. I was so touched by her presentation.
Throughout the congress, sessions and discussions took place, providing a platform for attendees to exchange ideas and engage in thought-provoking conversations. These sessions covered a wide range of topics such as arts, challenges to democracy in Africa, climate change, women and democracy, the future of young humanists, humanism and technology, the rainbow resistance and suppression of atheists, freedom of thought report and humanists at risk, etc.
As an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and a young humanist from a third-world country where nonreligious people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are oppressed and persecuted, I was particularly interested in the Rainbow Resistance and Freedom of Thought and Humanists at Risk sessions. The world shares a common hatred for these two groups, for daring to live and express themselves. Even in advanced countries, religious groups devote huge amounts of resources to persecute LGBTQIA+ community and nonreligious persons. Similarly, a sufficient amount of resources is used to export this hatred and phobia to other countries which is the driver of harsh and oppressive legislations against the LGBTQIA+ and nonreligious community. In all, the diversity of perspectives and expertise presented at the congress made for enriching debates and valuable insights.
Another important aspect of the congress was the opportunity to discuss with other humanists from different countries and backgrounds. Engaging in conversations with individuals who had different cultural perspectives and democratic experiences widened my understanding of humanism and its impact on the world.
The congress also featured exhibitions and displays of works by members or associates of the Humanists International. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (which I represented) tabled and displayed pictures portraying our interventions in Nigeria. We also had T-shirts with the caption “Stop Witch Persecution in Africa” which attracted many humanists. In addition, we displayed books on critical thinking and reasoning for primary school pupils. The purpose of the critical thinking project is to help kids develop critical minds and enable them interrogate various forms of superstitious beliefs, often responsible for witch-hunts.
These exhibitions added a vibrant and artistic touch to the overall experience, demonstrating the power of art in conveying important messages.
Elections were held for some board and executive positions. I was impressed by the quality and experience of the candidates who presented themselves for elections. Nigerian humanist and founder of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches, Leo Igwe, enthralled delegates with his power-packed and electrifying pre-election speech. I was proud and happy to have a personal and working relationship with him. In the end, Igwe was re-elected as a board member and Roslyn Mould was elected as the Vice President of the Humanists International. For me, it was akin to an African country winning the world cup football competition in a distant country. The election of Igwe and Rosyln should serve as a wake-up call to African humanists to organize and reposition themselves to work with other foreign humanist groups to spread humanist ideas and democratic values.
The sponsors and host of the congress also made provisions for social gatherings and dinners that allowed participants to explore the beautiful city of Copenhagen, its rich history, and its food. The event at Copenhagen City Hall will always remain evergreen in my memory. In all, these events, I forged news ties, lasting connections and friendships.
The World Humanist Congress in Copenhagen served as a wonderful experience. It challenged me and also availed me the framework for intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and personal network. For me, attending this congress was not only an opportunity to visit a foreign country, take pictures and try new food; it didn’t only inspire me but served as a chance to contribute to the global humanist movement and make a positive impact on the Nigerian humanist community.
Dooyum Ingye is a humanist and directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches in Benue state.
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