What is BLISS Summit?
BLISS Summit is a catalytic gathering for visionary leaders, philanthropists, artists, technologists, and activists to explore how we can strategically invest in the future of freedom and democracy. In a time when fewer than 13% of people live under liberal democratic rule, the urgency to convene, collaborate, and act has never been greater.
Since its inception, BLISS has become a hub for courageous conversations, bold commitments and unlikely collaborations, mobilizing over $40 million in capital for freedom based projects and ideas toward the long-term defense of free societies.
Why is the BLISS Summit important?
Costa Rica —a beacon of liberal democracy in a region often challenged by autocrats and declining rule of law— hosted the BLISS Summit, proving a fundamental truth: liberty triumphs over tyranny when vision and capital align with purpose.
In a world where less than 2% of U.S. philanthropic funding supports democracy-related causes, BLISS is closing that gap by connecting bold ideas with the capital that can shift the course of history. It is more than a summit—it’s a lifeline for democracy, a testament to collective action, and a vital force for a freer world.*
*Democracy Fund. (January 22, 2024). Field in focus: The state of pro-democracy institutional philanthropy. Democracy Fund. https://democracyfund.org/idea/field-in-focus-the-state-of-pro-democracy-institutional-philanthropy/
Costa Rica:
A safe haven for democracy
Costa Rica, a beacon of liberal democracy in a politically volatile region, is uniquely suited to host the BLISS Summit. Its commitment to peace, human rights, and institutional stability provides a neutral ground where freedom advocates can collaborate and strategize without fear of reprisal. By doing so, Costa Rica fulfills a moral duty to defend democracy and individual liberties globally.
Held in Nosara, in the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone—a region celebrated for its longevity and well-being—the BLISS Summit stands as a symbol of hope and resilience against rising authoritarianism, proving that when vision and courage meet, freedom has a fighting chance.
A Beacon of Innovation and Collaboration
BLISS serves as a beacon of innovation, drawing diverse participants from various sectors, all committed to addressing society's most pressing challenges. The summit encourages the exploration of transformative ideas and their practical applications, especially in how technology can empower individuals, strengthen democratic governance, and foster voluntary cooperation and personal responsibility. By uniting business leaders, activists, academics, and technologists, BLISS embodies the spirit of progress, rooted in timeless principles and driven by forward-thinking solutions.
Personal Impact and Community Building
The powerful stories and testimonials from past BLISS Summit participants highlight the profound impact of the event.
Nia Demming
PRESIDENT, THE DEMOCRACY LAB FOUNDATION AND BLISS SUMMIT
"The Freedom Academy is shaping the future of young leaders in Costa Rica, aiming to empower over 20,000 participants in the next two years with critical skills in civic participation, leadership, and financial literacy—including Bitcoin. Our FWD Tech and Freedom Academies, with the capacity to serve 300 students annually, and our Sports and Freedom initiatives, which have already impacted more than 100 participants, are producing remarkable results. Through the support of the BLISS Ecosystem and our partners, we are exponentially expanding our reach by digitizing our curriculum and distributing it to key institutions in Costa Rica. We aim to cultivate a new generation of civic champions, committed to advancing freedom and democracy for all.”
Carine Kanimba
RWANDAN FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY ADVOCATE. SPOKESPERSON OF WORLD LIBERTY CONGRESS.
"At the BLISS Summit in Nosara, we felt empowered to share our family's story of surviving the genocide. To our surprise and immense gratitude, this incredible community not only welcomed us but took real, tangible actions. We received support from community members in our fight for freedom, turning stories into a powerful force for positive change. This experience showed us that democracy is more than a concept—it's a living, breathing strength that grows when we embrace our shared humanity."
Nataliya Melnyk
UKRAINIAN ECONOMIC FREEDOM AND EDUCATION ADVOCATE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BENDUKIDZE FREE MARKET CENTRE
“At a critical time for Ukraine and democracy at large, the BLISS ecosystem has been a lifeline for our work at Bendukidze Free Market Center. The $100,000 in funding we received has enabled us to strengthen our economic education and reintegration projects, supporting those affected by the invasion. BLISS not only provides essential resources but also fosters the connections and creativity needed to make a meaningful impact in building a freer and more prosperous world.”
Victor Navarro
EX POLITICAL PRISONER, DEFENDER OF HUMAN RIGHTS, AND FOUNDER, VOCES DE LA MEMORIA
“Presenting our virtual reality project, Voces de la Memoria, at the BLISS Summit was a turning point for our mission to free political prisoners worldwide. The support and connections we gained have empowered us to amplify the voices of those unjustly imprisoned and expand our work in using technology to drive global awareness.”