In 1952, at the first World Humanist Congress, the founding fathers of IHEU agreed a statement of the fundamental principles of modern Humanism. They called it "The Amsterdam Declaration". That declaration was a child of its time: set in the world of great power politics and the Cold War.

In 1996, the IHEU General Assembly adopted the following resolution. Any organisation wishing to become a member of IHEU is now obliged to signify its acceptance of this statement:

"Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality."

The congress considering that the present situation of our civilisation is a challenge to all humanist and ethical groups to extend their activities on an international level, resolves:

1. To found an International Humanist and Ethical Union.

2. To authorise the Steering Committee enlarged with representatives of each approved organisation that proposes to adhere to the Union to give effect to this decision in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation,