50. Andrew Copson on Why Humanism Remains Essential in an Age of Extremism, 20 Years of Human Rights Campaigning

“No one ever said it was going to be easy. Humanists don’t think a better world is inevitable—we think a better world is possible, but we have to work for it.”

Andrew Copson OBE, Chief Executive of Humanists UK and former President of Humanists International, joins us for our 50th episode to reflect on two decades of humanist leadership. From growing up in a secular working-class community to championing global human rights, Andrew explains why humanism remains vital in a time of rising extremism, technological disruption, and political uncertainty.

Connect with Andrew

• Website – Humanists UK
• X (Twitter) – @andrewcopson
• LinkedIn – Andrew Copson
• Facebook - @mrandrewcopson

Topics we cover

 ✔︎ Growing up secular in working-class Britain
 ✔︎ Why humanist organizations matter: advocacy, representarion and care
 ✔︎ Misconceptions about humanism today – “too anti-religious” vs. “too pro-human”
 ✔︎ The challenge of technology and the meaning of mortality
 ✔︎ Strategic engagement: when to dialogue, and when not to
 ✔︎ Transforming Humanists International into a diverse, global movement
 ✔︎ The campaign to free Mubarak Bala
 ✔︎ UK priorities ahead: assisted dying, curriculum reform, defending equality
 ✔︎ Why embracing the identity of “humanist” still matters

Resources & further reading

• Secularism: Politics, Religion and Freedom – Copson (2017)
• The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Humanism – Copson & Grayling (2015)
• The Little Book of Humanism Series – Copson & Roberts
• What I Believe – Copson (2025)
• What I Believe Podcast
• Andrew Copson’s Farewell Speech to the General Assembly, Humanists International 2025
• Mubarak Bala case – Humanists Internatio

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Podcast transcripts are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided to make our content more accessible, but should not be considered a fully accurate record of the conversation.