The 18th World Humanist Congress will be held in Oslo, Norway, from August 12 to 14, 2011. It will explore the the theme of “Humanism and Peace”. The Congress will be held at the Oslo Congress Centre in Oslo. The Norwegian Humanist Organization are hosting the Congress, and is proud to welcome Humanists from all over the world to Oslo, the capital where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in December each year. (en français)

The main theme of the congress is Humanism and Peace. Peace is one of the fundamental criteria for the long term survival of the human species and should be a concern of all Humanists. The sessions of the congress will include several different aspects of peace and conflict prevention, and question what Humanists and Humanism can do to foster peace. The format of the congress will be plenary sessions, parallel sessions on Saturday and round-table discussions.

Some of the speakers you will meet at Congress are Humanist Chaplain Greg M. Epstein, author Taslima Nasrin, Pharyngula blogger PZ Myers, MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld, freedom of religion specialist Jeremy Gunn, peace professor Johan Galtung and journalist Linda Polman.

On Friday evening there will be a reception in Oslo City Hall, hosted by the Mayor of Oslo. It will include refreshments, short speeches and cultural entertainment. The congress dinner will be held on Saturday evening in the foyer of Oslo Opera House. There will be an aperitif, a three course meal, award ceremony, a fund raiser for IHEU and entertainment.

The registration fee includes admissions to all sessions during the three days of the Congress, coffee breaks, and a sandwich type lunch all three days. The Reception Friday evening and the Congress dinner Saturday evening is also included. The organizers hope that many Humanists and other non-believers will come to Oslo in August, and prepares for 600-800 participants at the Congress.

There will be several side-events before and after the Congress. These include four workshops, the General Assemblies of IHEU and IHEYO, the IHEU Leadership training, an International Youth Camp, an opportunity to be a guest at a Humanist Confirmation ceremony, a meeting of ILCAF, sightseeing in Oslo and a post-Congress tour.

Early-bird registration for delegates are NOK 2,600 per person, and includes access to all plenary and parallel sessions during the Congress, as well as lunches, coffee breaks, the City reception and the Congress Dinner. Student registration is NOK 1,200 for the same package. There are additional fees for the side events. The IHEU will offer a substantial Travel Grant programme.

All presentations will be in English. Simultaneous translation from English to French will be offered at the plenary sessions and one of the parallel sessions.

For more information and registration, please visit www.human.no/oslo2011.