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.
About the Host
Filipino Freethinkers (FF) is a civil society organization that has been promoting reason, science, and secularism in the Philippines since 2009. It is the largest and most active organization for freethought in the Philippines. They are an associate member of Humanists International, and is represented in the Young Humanists International Asian Regional Committee.
FF is at the forefront of the Philippines’ socio-political battle for human rights that have been blocked because of religious bigotry, including women’s rights (SRHR, divorce, feminism), LGBT rights, and freedom of expression. It works with both secular and religious organizations, including legislators and other government officials, to protect the secularism that is enshrined in the Philippine Constitution.
The organization promotes reason, science, and secularism as a means of improving every Filipino’s quality of life. Its goal is for everyone to live lives free of ignorance and oppression—in a society where they are able to act and think for themselves, and in a country where religion and governance are clearly and permanently separated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Humanism?
Humanism is a worldview that holds people as capable of autonomous moral growth. It seeks to make a world that is not only just, but equitable, for people regardless of age, race, gender, etc. In action, humanism seeks human solutions for issues that affect human beings. For further reading on the principles of international humanism, please read the Amsterdam Declaration.
What is the Asian Humanism Conference?
The Asian Humanism Conference is an annual gathering of humanists across Asia. It aims to build connections between people and humanist organizations in the region, to offer training on skills and capacity building to help make groups more effective in their activism, and to advance humanist solidarity across Asia. The Asian Humanism Conference has so far been held in Nepal, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
How do I register for the conference?
You may register for the conference through the website. There is a different link for each day of the conference, so you must register for each day separately.
Will there be a certificate for this conference?
Participants who answer our feedback form after the conference will be eligible for certificates.
Where can I read about past AHCs?
The Asian Humanism Conference is hosted by Humanists International member organizations in Asia. It has so far been hosted by Nepali, Singaporean, Taiwanese, and Filipino humanist organizations.
2019 – Singapore, hosted by Humanist Society Singapore
2018 – Kaohsiung, Taiwan, hosted by Humanistic Pastafarianism in Taiwan
2017 – Manila, Philippines, hosted by Humanist Alliance Philippines – International (HAPI)
2015 – Singapore, hosted by Humanist Society Singapore
2013 – Cebu City, Philippines, hosted by Philippine Atheists and Agnostics Society, Inc. (PATAS)
