Andrew Copson steps down as President of Humanists International

Andrew Copson in Luxembourg

After 15 years of leadership — including 10 years as President — Andrew Copson recently stepped down from his role at Humanists International. In the farewell speech that followed, delivered to the General Assembly in Luxembourg in July 2025, he reflected on the organisation’s transformation, its growing global reach, and the values he believed must guide its future. It was a message of gratitude, reflection, and enduring hope for the international humanist movement.

Maggie Ardiente

Maggie Ardiente, currently Chair of the Secular Coalition for America, was elected as the new President of Humanists International. Maggie brings a strong background in humanist advocacy, communications, and civil rights, having previously served as Director of Development and Communications at the American Humanist Association. Her appointment signals a continued commitment to global inclusivity and progressive leadership, with a focus on strengthening the organisation’s visibility and impact across diverse cultural and political contexts.

In his farewell address, Andrew Copson reflected on 15 years of service, including a transformative decade as President. He opened with heartfelt thanks for the trust placed in him, and celebrated the organisation’s evolution from a Eurocentric committee to a globally diverse, democratic, and professionally staffed body.

Andrew noted key milestones: structural reforms, democratic elections, and the diversification of the Board, including legally mandated representation from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Under his leadership, Humanists International strengthened its global presence, grew its membership, expanded professional advocacy at the UN, and supported humanists at risk — with a special mention of Mubarak Bala’s release from prison as a moving moment of solidarity and success.

He highlighted progress on policy development, strategic planning, and the remaking of the Amsterdam Declaration for a more inclusive 21st-century movement. He acknowledged the one area where more progress is needed: leadership development and on-the-ground support in the global south — a call he issued to his successor and the General Assembly.

Offering advice for the future, Andrew urged humanists to continue learning from one another, to look outward and engage with the world, and to resist the divisions of nationalism in favour of shared global purpose. He described humanism as “the best idea in the world” — an empowering philosophy rooted in compassion, reason and solidarity.

He concluded not with a goodbye, but a promise to continue serving, returning to the General Assembly as head of the Humanists UK delegation. His final words were a call to remain inspired — by the past, by the courage of global humanists, and by what can be achieved together.

The Humanistically Speaking team sends warm congratulations to Maggie Ardiente and best wishes in her new role.