What is BLISS?
The BLISS Summit is an annual gathering where global advocates for democracy and freedom come together to collaborate on innovative projects.
By merging capital with innovation, BLISS drives positive change through programs focused on freedom, democracy, civic participation, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and education.
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 only a significantly small percentage of U.S. supports democracy and freedom. 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.**
**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
CHIEF OF STAFF, THE DEMOCRACY LAB FOUNDATION
"The Freedom Academy is shaping the future of young leaders in Costa Rica, aiming to empower over 25,000 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.”