The new board of Humanists International. From left to right: Leo Igwe [Nigeria], Fraser Sutherland [Scotland], Alavari Jeevathol [United Kingdom], Nina Fjeldheim [Norway], Yvan Dheur (Treasurer) [Belgium], Maggie Aridente (President) [United States], Roslyn Mould (Vice-President) [Ghana], Gary McLelland (Chief Executive), Mary Jane Quiming [Philippines], Monica Belițoiu [Romania], David Pineda [Guatemala]

Humanist Society CEO Fraser Sutherland elected to board of Humanists International at annual conference

July 10, 2025

We are delighted that our CEO Fraser Sutherland has been elected to the board of Humanists International during the organisation’s annual summit and conference, held this year in Luxembourg. Fraser tells us why this opportunity means so much.

Conference ’25: promoting scientific literary

Last week, I had the privilege of representing Humanist Society Scotland at the Humanists International General Assembly and International Humanist Conference in Luxembourg. Alongside over 80 delegates from more than 50 countries, we explored the theme “From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Open Societies through Scientific Literacy.” We focused on how scientific literacy underpins democracy and empowers citizens, and how its absence can threaten open societies.

On Friday, I attended the European Policy Forum, a vital gathering where European humanist groups came together to compare the challenges we’re facing across the continent. A key topic was the influence of multinational Christian lobby groups. THe coordinated advocacy work of these groups across EU institutions can pose real obstacles for secular policy initiatives. The forum was an invaluable space to share strategies and develop a united front in response. I also had the opportunity to catch up with representatives from Happy Human Lithuania. We have worked with this organisation for a number of years, and they have developed exciting growth in humanist wedding ceremonies in Lithuania. To mark our ongoing cooperation I was pleased to present them with a quaich for use in ceremonies in Lithuania.

Fraser presenting a Quaich to members of Laimingas Žmogus (Happy Human Lithuania).

Joining the board

During the General Assembly on Sunday, we also elected new leadership. I was honoured to be elected to the board of Humanists International. I joined incoming president Maggie Ardiente from the USA and Monica Belitoiu and Nina Fjeldheim from Norway. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to our movement on a global scale.

We also said goodbye to Andrew Copson from Humanists UK. Andrew had held the role of president for the past ten years, and been instrumental in many positive changes at international level. These include bringing in a global diversity of humanist groups. The General Assembly also passed the Luxembourg Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Human Values. This document highlights the need to temper new technology with humanist values and ensure that civil liberties are upheld.

On Monday I attended my first board meeting of Humanists International. This was a significant moment and a chance to engage more deeply with global strategy and governance. The discussions were productive and reaffirmed my commitment to strengthening both regional and international collaboration.

Fraser giving his election address to the General Assembly.

I’m eager to bring the insights and connections I’ve gained back to Humanist Society Scotland, where we will continue championing scientific literacy, open governance, and secular perspectives.

Mubarak Bala: a humanist hero

I was also delighted to have the opportunity to meet Mubarak Bala from Nigeria, now living in Germany. As readers may recall, Mubarak was jailed for 24 years for blasphemy in 2022. Following a successful and tireless campaign led by Humanists International and supported significantly by members of Humanist Society Scotland, Mubarak was released in January 2025. In 2021 Humanist Society Scotland awarded Mubarak our Gordon Ross award for services to humanism.

Overall, the General Assembly, European Policy Forum, and my first board meeting marked a transformative week. I’m eager to bring the insights and connections I’ve gained back to Humanist Society Scotland, where we will continue championing scientific literacy, open governance, and secular perspectives. Next year the World Humanist Congress will be held in Ottawa, Canada, on 7-9 August 2026. A program of interesting events and discussions are scheduled and the event is open to any humanist from across the world. To find out more about next year’s event please visit: https://www.worldhumanistcongress.org/

Fraser with Mubarak Bala. Fraser wears a blue shirt and Mubarak a darker blue, collarless shirt and fez style hat. They both smile at the camera. — Fraser with Mubarak Bala.

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Title image: The new board of Humanists International. From left to right: Leo Igwe [Nigeria], Fraser Sutherland [Scotland], Alavari Jeevathol [United Kingdom], Nina Fjeldheim [Norway], Yvan Dheur (Treasurer) [Belgium], Maggie Aridente (President) [United States], Roslyn Mould (Vice-President) [Ghana], Gary McLelland (Chief Executive), Mary Jane Quiming [Philippines], Monica Belițoiu [Romania], David Pineda [Guatemala]