World Humanist Day is observed around the world every year on June 21 and has been celebrated since the 1980s. This year, it will take place on Saturday, June 21. This date was chosen to coincide with the June solstice - the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere - marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
The solstice has echoes of ancient communal gatherings and reflects humanity's growing scientific understanding of the world. It is a globally shared event, symbolizing enlightenment, growth, and the collective journey toward knowledge and human progress. These qualities make it a powerful symbol of Humanism. The grassroots origins and democratic establishment of World Humanist Day highlight its inclusive and participatory nature.
As the core of Humanism is based on reason, critical thinking, and a commitment to human welfare, without reliance on supernatural beliefs, humanists uphold freedom of thought, equality, democracy, and human rights, striving for a more just and compassionate society.
This day is a meaningful opportunity to spread awareness of Humanism as a philosophical life stance and a tool for positive change. It's also a time for humanists to gather, reflect, and celebrate the core values of Humanism. Humanist organizations around the globe mark World Humanist Day with a wide variety of events, from activism to social gatherings. The day is also observed through official proclamations, public awareness campaigns, or educational initiatives highlighting the growth of the non-religious community and the ethical principles upheld by humanists.
World Humanist Day emphasizes the core beliefs of Humanism: the importance of reason, empathy, and human rights. Humanists value scientific inquiry, ethical decision-making, and the pursuit of happiness for all people, regardless of background or belief. Humanism is a philosophical and ethical outlook that centers humanity, emphasizing reason, science, individual rights, and mutual respect. It also promotes tolerance and understanding among people of diverse cultures and faiths.
On this day, humanists around the world come together to share ideas, host events, and encourage open-minded discussions on how to advance humanity through cooperation, compassion, and understanding. The main objectives of World Humanism Day are promotion of humanistic values, aims to promote such humanistic principles as rational thinking, respect for the individual and moral responsibility to society and the environment, support for human rights, focuses on the importance of protecting human rights and ensuring equality and justice for all people, regardless of their origin, religion or belief.
This day serves as a platform for humanists and similar organizations to come together to exchange ideas, experiences, and support each other in advancing common goals. World Humanist Day is important because it provides a platform for discussing values that benefit both individuals and society as a whole. By focusing on reason, science, and compassion, humanism encourages us to think critically and act kindly. This day also helps raise awareness of humanist perspectives and supports efforts to build more inclusive, ethical communities worldwide.
As the core of Humanism is based on reason, critical thinking, and a commitment to human welfare, without reliance on supernatural beliefs, humanists uphold freedom of thought, equality, democracy, and human rights, striving for a more just and compassionate society.
Globally, the number of non-religious individuals continues to grow. It is estimated that over 1.1 billion people identify as religiously unaffiliated - including atheists, agnostics, and those who describe their religion as "nothing in particular."
Humanists reject all forms of racism and prejudice and believe in protecting everyone's rights, including the freedom of religion and belief. Humanists believe in caring for one another and the natural world, recognizing that we live in a natural universe and must make the most of the one life we have. Without belief in an afterlife or divine purpose, humanists create their own meaning and strive to live good, fulfilling lives here and now. World Humanist Day is an opportunity to publicize these positive values and to share the global concerns of the humanist movement.
Today, the world faces an unprecedented global crisis that challenges not only our political systems but the very fabric of human civilization. Leadership on a global scale has failed to respond effectively to growing existential threats, and no place on Earth feels entirely safe. Even developed countries have struggled to meet the needs of their citizens, losing influence and credibility in global governance. This signals a shift in global leadership and the urgent need for a new, human-centered approach.
Let's be Humanist. Let's celebrate World Humanist Day on June 21, in harmony with the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. It's a day for humanists to promote the values of humanism and raise awareness about the humanist values. Let this special day be observed with a view to encouraging the individuals and the communities to reflect on what it means to be human, and how we can work together to create a better, more just world.
The writer is founder, Southern University
