Asian Humanism Conference 2021
The 2021 Asian Humanism Conference (AHC) will be done online, one of the many solutions we have used to respond to the challenges introduced by the pandemic. Speaking of such challenges and solutions, it has become increasingly apparent that the values of humanism — reason, science, secularism, humanitarianism, among others — are needed if humanity is to not only survive but thrive in this new reality.
It is also becoming clear that to the extent such values are lacking (or actively suppressed) avoidable consequences happen: science denialism leads to health disinformation which leads to suffering and death; disrespecting secularism leads to civil and political rights violations; prioritizing partisan or corporate interests over human lives leads to marginalization.
Thus, the theme of this year’s conference is the Intersectionality of Humanism. How does humanism (its ideals and values, practitioners and practices) intersect with the different aspects of our lives, especially amid COVID-19? How can humanism — and humanists — contribute to solutions? And how can this be done at a time when fear increases prejudice which exacerbates anti-humanist sentiments, especially in conservative parts of the region?
The event will span three days in November: the 20th, the 27th, and the 28th. During these 3 days, talks, discussions, trainings, and other activities will aim to address the above issues.
Day 1
November 20 (SAT)
4pm-6pm PHT (UTC+08:00)
Status of Humanism in Asia
The first set of sessions opens AHC 2021.
AHC hosts introduce this year’s theme (Intersectionality of Humanism), as we hear Anya Overmann, President of Young Humanists International, share her thoughts on the topic. Through a panel discussion, we take stock of the status of humanism in the region to give us further context to frame the activities that follow. The panel includes representatives from the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
Day 2
November 27 (SAT)
1pm-3pm PHT (UTC+08:00)
Intersectionality of Humanism
Day 2 gets into a number of topics, exploring the many intersections of humanism. A couple of talks start the day, from science and progressive issues with Guy P. Harrison, to secularism and human rights with Sen. Risa Hontiveros (to be confirmed), a legislator from the Philippines. Participants interact through Q&As with the speakers as well as breakout discussions. The day is capped with organisations hosting sessions on various themes: Humanism and Interfaith Relationships with hash.peace, Humanism and Science with MANS, and Humanism and Climate Change with HAPI.
Day 3
November 28 (SUN)
4pm-6pm PHT (UTC+08:00)
Capacity-building for Humanists
The final day focuses on more practical matters, with two of the most sought out skills for humanists (particularly in very conservative contexts). The first teaches participants about humanist and secular ceremonies, a workshop with Fraser Sutherland (Humanist Society Scotland) and Tale Pleym (Norwegian Humanist Association). The second gives an introduction to digital security for humanist advocates and activists, hosted by Red Tani, co-president of Filipino Freethinkers and advocacy and communications director of EngageMedia.
Our Hosts & Speakers
Kristine Chan
Filipino FreethinkersKristine Chan is a queer visual artist and designer from the Philippines, working on both digital and traditional mediums. They are the co-founder and President of FF.
Red Tani
Filipino FreethinkersRed Tani has advocated critical thinking, evidence-based legislation, religious freedom, and other human rights since 2009 when he founded Filipino Freethinkers.
Danielle Hill
Filipino FreethinkersDanielle Hill is an award-winning playwright and orator, an educator, and an aspiring feminist academic.
Guy P. Harrison
AuthorGuy P. Harrison is an award-winning author, journalist, and public advocate for science and reason. He has more than 20 years’ experience in news media...
Sen. Risa Hontiveros [TBC]
Senate of the PhilippinesSenator Risa Hontiveros is known for her tireless work in promoting public health, women's rights, and the welfare of the Filipino family.
Fraser Sutherland
Humanist Society ScotlandFraser Sutherland is Chief Executive of Humanist Society Scotland a position he has held since May 2019.
Tale Pleym
Norwegian Humanist AssociationTale is a member of the Commission of European Humanist Professionals, and the Head of the Ceremonial Department at the Norwegian Humanist Association.
Giovanni Gaetani
Humanists InternationalGiovanni Gaetani is the Membership Engagement Management of Humanists International and started working for the organization in 2017.
Anya Overmann
Young Humanists InternationalAnya Overmann is President of Young Humanists International and has held multiple roles in the American Ethical Union, specifically in the youth section.
Abraham Mandac
Proactive Philippine Humanists (ProPH)Abe is the chosen spokeperson for the Council of Philippine Secular Organizations (COPSO), a loose coalition of secular groups in the Philippines.
DJ Tan
HumanistSGDing Jie is the Young Humanists International Regional Coordinator for Asia, and Vice President of Humanist Society Singapore.
L
Malaysia Atheists and Secular HumanistsL is the current president of Malaysian Atheists and Secular Humanists (MASH). Due to security reasons, their identity has to be concealed.
Javan Poblador
Young Humanists InternationalJavan joined Humanists International as Young Humanists International Coordinator and Social Media Consultant in February 2021.
Nazhath Faheema
hash.peaceNazhath Faheema is a social harmony activist. She is the Founder and President of hash.peace. She is engaged in conducting inter-ethnic and inter-belief interactions...
Ramdeo Vishwabandhu
Ambedkar Social InstituteRamdeo Vishwabandhu serves as Secretary for the Ambedkar Social Institute. He has a post-graduate degree in Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies...
Rishvin Ismath
Council of Ex-Muslims of Sri LankaRishvin Ismath is the Co-founder and present Spokesperson of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Sri Lanka. He is also a referee for the Sri Lankan Rugby Union.
Sudesh Ghoderao
Federation of Indian Rationalist AssociationsDr. Sudesh Ghoderao is the National General Secretary of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) and the Secretary for International Cooperation at MANS...
Uttam Niraula
Society for Humanism (SOCH) NepalUttam Niraula is a board member of Humanists International, a founding member of the YHI Asian Regional Committee, and founded the Society for Humanism (SOCH) Nepal...
