St. Clair College was represented on the international stage at the 2026 World Humanist Congress in Ottawa, Ont., where Dr. Karamjeet Dhillon, Director of Research and Innovation, helped shape both the programming and broader policy discussions of the global gathering.
Held Aug. 7 to 9 and hosted by Humanists International, in partnership with Humanist Canada, the Congress brought 500 delegates from more than 40 countries around the world under the theme "Humanism as Resistance."
Dr. Dhillon served as chair of the Program Committee, helping to shape the groundwork and development of the international program. She also served on the Resolutions Committee as the Canadian representative, where she contributed to drafting and refining resolutions, engaged with Humanists International counterparts, and helped prepare recommendations for consideration at the General Assembly.
Through this work, Dr. Dhillon helped bring Canadian, Windsor-Essex region and St. Clair College perspectives into international discussions on human rights, equity, evidence-informed decision-making, community resilience and social responsibility. Her role extended beyond participation, contributing directly to the policy and governance conversations that informed the international humanist movement.
"The experience was about much more than attending an international congress," said Dr. Dhillon. "It was about doing the groundwork, listening across cultures and countries, contributing to difficult conversations and asking how we turn shared values into action. For me, that starts with leading with kindness."
That philosophy also connects closely with Dr. Dhillon's work at St. Clair College, where applied research and innovation increasingly bring together education, industry and community partners to address real-world challenges.
The Congress also coincided with the Humanists International General Assembly, where representatives of member organizations participate in the democratic governance of the international movement, including consideration of resolutions and policy positions.
Janalee Morris, executive director of Humanist Canada, said the Congress created an important opportunity for international connection. "The World Humanist Congress is an opportunity to connect with humanists from around the world, to learn from one another, to create deep connections to build a more caring, equitable, and Humanist future for all."
For Dr. Dhillon, representing St. Clair College within this global setting demonstrated how post-secondary institutions can contribute to conversations extending well beyond the classroom.
"Our colleges are deeply embedded in their communities," she said. "When we participate in these international conversations, we bring those ideas and relationships home. That creates opportunities for our students, our partners and our region to think differently about how knowledge, research and kindness can create meaningful change."
Dr. Dhillon's involvement in the World Humanist Congress reflects St. Clair College's growing engagement in national and international networks connecting research, innovation, equity, community impact and global citizenship.
