BLISS Summit
Freedom + Arts Program
The BLISS Summit 2026, hosted by THE REYNOLDS FOUNDATION & DEMO LAB, is a leading event that gathers prominent leaders and visionaries from around the world in Costa Rica to tackle the pressing issue of democracy.
In its fourth edition in 2026, BLISS transcends traditional dialogue by fostering genuine commitment and actionable solutions to the challenges facing liberty, freedom, and the rule of law across Latin America.
The BLISS Summit 2026 will bring together the most prominent philanthropists from across the globe in the realm of democracy and freedom. Through collaborative discussions and investments in transformative initiatives, BLISS aims to drive progress and growth across the region.
Art humanizes struggles and transforms abstract ideas into vivid, relatable stories, raising awareness and creating emotional impact.
It fosters critical thinking and dialogue, challenging the status quo and prompting people to question the world around them.
Art confronts issues like censorship, inequality, authoritarianism, and tyranny. Artists spark discussions that can lead to broader social change, as we've seen through cartoons, movies, songs, poetry, and novels.
Satirical and subversive art often exposes injustices that may be ignored or normalized by mainstream discourse, but not by artists.
Art empowers communities and unites people. Throughout history, democratic movements have often rallied around powerful artistic expressions as symbols of resistance.
It encourages solidarity among those fighting for freedom, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiring future generations.
Art provides a platform for marginalized voices, ensuring that the fight for democracy and freedom is inclusive and representative of all members of society. Artists play a crucial role, and we should recognize and celebrate their contributions.
Why is Art Important for Freedom?
Why is the BLISS Summit important?
The BLISS Summit, held in Costa Rica, a beacon of liberal democracy in a region often challenged by autocrats and declining rule of law, exemplifies the power of liberty over tyranny.
Amid growing uncertainty about the future of democracy and individual freedoms, BLISS offers hope in a philanthropic landscape where less than 2% of U.S. philanthropic funding supports democracy-related causes.
Despite some recent increases in funding for democratic reforms, the sector remains significantly underfunded compared to other areas.
By bridging the gap between visionary ideas and necessary capital, BLISS fosters collaboration and amplifies the impact of every dollar invested. It is more than a summit—it’s a lifeline for democracy, a testament to action, and a vital force for a freer world.*
There are only 34 liberal democracies – the lowest number in more than 25 years – and they are home to just 13 percent of the world population.**
There was less movement toward democracy in 2022 than in any year since 1978.**
A record 35 countries suffered significant deteriorations in freedom of expression in 2022 – an increase from only five countries ten years ago.**
*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/
**Wilson Center. (n.d.). Challenging autocracy from the front lines. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/media/uploads/documents/Challenging%20Autocracy%20From%20the%20Front%20Lines.pdf
Costa Rica: A safe haven for democracy
Costa Rica, a beacon of liberal democracy in a region often marked by political volatility, is uniquely positioned to host the BLISS Summit. The country’s unwavering commitment to peace, freedom, human rights, and institutional stability provides a safe haven for freedom fighters from authoritarian regimes, allowing them to convene, collaborate, and strategize without fear of reprisal.
By offering neutral ground for dialogue and action, Costa Rica fulfills its moral obligation to defend democracy and individual freedoms, not just within its borders but globally. The BLISS Summit, held in Nosara—a part of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, known for its residents' exceptional longevity and well-being—embodies the essence of democratic values and serves as a symbol of hope and resilience against rising authoritarianism.
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.”
JOIN US
To amplify voices, convey truth, inspire empathy, and challenge oppression, making you an essential ally for BLISS Summit 2026 in this struggle.