- Sunday February 4th 2024 -
- Monday February 5th 2024 -
- Tuesday February 6th 2024 -
DEFENDING DEMOCRACY
A gathering of kindred spirits for the future of the region.
Background
Amidst the intricate tapestry of Latin America's challenges and triumphs, where shadows of poverty, populism, and democratic setbacks cast their pall, a clarion call resounds. It is a call to embrace not the status quo, but the boundless potential that remains dormant within this land of social, cultural, and natural abundance. As the sun rises on the horizon of change, we gather to herald a new era—the BLISS Summit 2024, with the chosen theme of "DEFENDING DEMOCRACY," a concept of utmost significance.
In a world where the crescendo of authoritarianism and populism reverberates globally, the imperative to safeguard the pillars of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law has never been more vital. Costa Rica, a steadfast beacon amidst the tempestuous seas of the few surviving democracies, stands as an embodiment of hope. Yet, even amidst the resplendence of its accomplishments, we are reminded that the flame of liberty must be nurtured ceaselessly, for the wind of complacency threatens to extinguish it.
The BLISS Summit stands as a convergence of exceptional minds—a symposium where kindred spirits from the echelons of finance, academia, philanthropy, family offices, visionary business leaders, artisans of creativity, contemplative think tanks, venerable CEOs, and global trailblazers unite. This confluence is not mere coincidence; it is a deliberate pilgrimage to unearth the seeds of change that lay dormant within Nosara, Costa Rica, and the entire Latin American expanse.
Here, the fabric of change is woven, thread by thread, as luminaries grace our stage and catalyze discourse that transcends rhetoric, igniting the sparks of tangible transformation through pilot projects, funding ideas, and creating new ones. Collaboration reverberates with the resonance of shared purpose, where ideas alight like stars in the night sky—distinct yet interconnected, guiding the course of our shared destiny.
The BLISS Summit seeks not only to distill innovative solutions from the wellspring of creativity but to invest in their realization. It aspires to forge a network of trailblazers who wield scholarship, philanthropy, and creativity as tools to dismantle the seemingly insurmountable. As we gather under the sun-soaked skies, our gaze is steadfastly set upon the future—a future where entrepreneurship, freedom, sustainability, and education stand as the cornerstones of a thriving Latin America.
Join us in this symphony of change, where the echoes of past struggles harmonize with the crescendo of present innovation to compose a melody that resonates with generations yet unborn. The BLISS Summit is not merely an event—it is the clarion call of a generation that envisions a revitalized Latin America, a realm where the promise of prosperity and sustainable development transcends the constraints of today, ushering in a radiant tomorrow.
Dr. Alvaro
Salas Castro
Bliss Founder
NOSARA, GUANACASTE,
COSTA RICA
Location
Although only 137 square kilometers, Nosara (a blue zone district in the Nicoya canton in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica) perfectly reflects the most pressing challenges in Latin America. It is internationally recognized for its remarkable efforts to conserve its exuberant flora and fauna, including several endangered and threatened species. It is home to thousands of people from diverse socioeconomic, international, and cultural backgrounds. However, unequal development and unequal opportunity have created significant disparities and generated conflict in the community. The district also struggles with a lack of good governance, poor infrastructure, and inequality in access to services, and lack of employment and better opportunities. Despite these challenges, Nosareños – like the people of Latin America – recognize the need for change. They understand that the future requires dignity, entrepreneurship, sustainability and prosperity for all.
BLISS participants will arrive at either Liberia airport (LIR) (Ideal airport if available) or San Jose airport (SJO) in Costa Rica on Sunday, February 4.
For participants arriving in Liberia, the transportation to Nosara can be done either by taking a 2-hour van ride or a 20-minute puddle-jumper flight to Nosara via Sansa or Charter flights (please ask Iveth Badilla for charter flights).
For participants arriving in San Jose airport, we recommend getting to Nosara through a 45-minute puddle-jumper flight to Nosara via Sansa as the drive to Nosara can be around 5 hours from San Jose.
Participants will stay in various beautiful hotels throughout the Nosara community, such as The Gilded Iguana, Tierra Magnifica, Senderos, and Yaxa Hotel.
AIRPORTS LIBERIA OR SAN JOSÉ?
How to get there?
Hosts
Demo Lab is a think tank and laboratory dedicated to promoting freedom, protecting the rule of law, and promoting civic engagement principles in democratic governance. It conducts experiments to combat the two significant impediments to a thriving and dynamic democracy: apathy and conformity. Through its endeavors, Demo Lab underscores the critical significance of an engaged and participatory citizenry that actively participates in the mechanisms of self-governance while vigilantly overseeing the institutions that foster a flourishing, just, freer, and happy society.
K Squared Capital is a financial advisory and asset management firm focused on delivering transparency and alignment of interests. It manages traditional investment portfolios and an options-based hedge fund and is in the process of developing products in the impact investing space.
Co-hosts
President and Founder of Demo Lab Foundation
Chief Strategy Officer at Demo Lab
Marketing and Branding at The Gilded Iguana
President of the Board of Directors of INCAE Business School
Venezuelan Freedom and Democracy Activist
Philanthropist, Owner of Ani Resorts and Co-Founder of Jane Street Capital
President of Atlas Network
International expert in public administration and international affairs, Syracuse University.
CEO of K Squared Capital
Speakers and Panelists
Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation
CEO of The Guilded Iguana
Rwandan Freedom and Democracy Activist
Singer, songwriter, actor and philanthropist with 17 Latin GRAMMY® Awards, two GRAMMY® Awards
Colombian business leader, co-founder of Universo Vives, chemical engineer, Miss Colombia 1996.
Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming in MPA program at Cornell University
Philanthropist, Owner of Ani Resorts and Co-Founder of Jane Street Capital
International expert in democracy, conflict resolution, and civic engagement, Syracuse University
Artists
“Artivist”
(artist + activist)
Fashion Designer/ Creative Director
Photography
Reggae Band
Join us in defending democracy and shaping a brighter future for Latin America.
Expanding BLISS impact
Arising from the discussions at our 2023 summit, The Tech & Freedom Academy is a collaborative initiative with Demo Lab Foundation, FWD Academies and several strategic international and local partners.
This Academy offers a transformative 6-month software development bootcamp with a comprehensive curriculum covering civics, democracy, citizen participation, the rule of law, and financial freedom.
Our goal is to empower young citizens to create innovative solutions for Costa Rica's challenges and enhance their employment prospects.
We invite you to support a young talent with a $1,500 contribution.
100% of your donation will go directly to FWD/DemoLab Tech and Freedom Academies, making a significant impact on Costa Rica's future.