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A new-style General Assembly, aimed at ensuring greater participation from delegates through the introduction of thematic sessions as well as a keynote address from the Executive Director (see page 6) was held in Washington, DC. Participants and observers included representatives from Belgium, France, Netherlands, Canada, Bangladesh, Iraq, Israel, India, Uganda, Norway, US, Switzerland, and the UK. A special guest at the GA was Lloyd Morain, 87, a founder director of IHEU.

The GA considered and endorsed IHEU’s 5-year strategic plan 2003–2007 presented by the EC which listed amongst the long-term aims of IHEU the promotion of ‘the identity of Humanism including the name and symbol of Humanism’, the building of ‘a strong and effective global organization’, the strengthening of ‘organized Humanism in every part of the world’ and the promotion of ‘Humanism as a non- theistic life stance throughout the world’. The GA also gave support to IHEU’s present activities of organizing international congresses, supporting Humanist groups in developing countries, participating in international and regional bodies to further Humanist goals, carrying out of human rights campaigns, and maintaining communication through publications, the website, and e-news. In line with its endorsement, the GA welcomed a presentation requesting IHEU’s support for a campaign to defend human rights in Islamic countries.

An important theme at the General Assembly was fundraising for IHEU. A charitable trust called the International Humanist Trust has been set up by IHEU in the UK, and IHEU now also has 501(c)(3) tax exemption status in the US. At the GA, IHEU Vice President Larry Jones pointed out that 70% of every dollar raised in the US goes to religious organizations – a staggering $150 billion a year. There is a strong case for IHEU raising money: it is time now to build the capacity of the organization, and to create a healthy endowment fund. The GA offered unanimous support to IHEU’s fundraising efforts and made several suggestions as regards fundraising initiatives.

In addition to international representation for Humanism and youth Humanism, another important theme was growth and development of international Humanism. IHEU now has both thematic and regional representatives, and partnership and twinning arrangements are to be promoted between IHEU member organizations. IHEU is also looking to develop the international Humanist movement in Africa: IHEU’s 2004 General Assembly will be held in May in Kampala, Uganda.