In his inaugural address, the new President of the United States Barack Obama called for a more inclusive and progressive America. The President’s speech suggested a remarkably humanistic agenda, with a commitment to "restore science to its rightful place." Significantly for Humanists, the new President said, "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers." This is believed to be a first for a United States President.

Encouragingly, the President also spoke of "our common humanity." "There is hope," commented Sonja Eggerickx, President of IHEU.