Impact Summit 2026: From Resilience to New Confidence

The past few years have taught us how to endure. Today, however, we are increasingly aware that resilience alone is not enough. What moves us from simply coping to taking action? This is one of the questions at the heart of Impact Summit 2026, whose theme is New Confidence.

The pandemic, war and economic uncertainty have tested our ability to navigate crises. Resilience has helped us through difficult times.

But what comes after resilience? What motivates us to take action, get involved in addressing the challenges around us and believe that our choices can make a difference?

These are the questions that will shape Impact Summit 2026 and its theme, New Confidence. We do not see confidence as a psychological trait, but as the ability of individuals, communities and countries not only to navigate change, but to actively shape it.

What the survey tells us

How do people in Slovakia perceive their ability to change things around them? What motivates them to get involved in addressing problems? What do they believe can strengthen society, and how do they see the future of the country? We explored these questions through a representative survey conducted for Impact Summit among 1,000 respondents across Slovakia.

The results show that people have not lost interest in public affairs. At the same time, however, more and more of them doubt that their voice can make a difference.

The willingness to act remains

More than half of respondents (51%) say they try to make small changes in their communities.

At the same time, one in five Slovaks is losing faith that their voice can make a difference. This sense of powerlessness weakens confidence – both at an individual level and across society as a whole.

Belgian human rights activist Carine Kanimba will explore what drives people to act even when the chances of success seem minimal.

What strengthens society

Respondents most often associated a weakening of society with the country’s economic situation, corruption and low trust in government, social divisions and the departure of talented people abroad.

At the same time, they were equally clear about what could make society stronger: greater trust between people and in institutions, a less polarised public debate, more cooperation between communities, businesses and government, and a clearer vision for Slovakia’s future.

The survey data therefore show that economic conditions matter greatly to people.

Chilean-Spanish-American scientist César Hidalgo will explore how countries can build on their strengths and why their success depends on connecting the knowledge and experience of their people.

The future needs a vision

People look to Slovakia’s future with concern, but they also see the country’s potential. Almost 22% of respondents believe that Slovakia can move forward. Another 18% see its potential but feel that the country lacks a shared vision. More than 13% feel that Slovakia is more often adapting to circumstances than actively shaping its own direction.

Drawing on her own experience, Tunisian politician and social innovator Omezzine Khelifa will explore why the ability to imagine a better future is one of the foundations of a confident society.

Impact Summit 2026

The questions raised by the survey will also be at the heart of this year’s Summit. Together with speakers from Slovakia and around the world, we will explore what enables individuals, communities and countries not only to navigate change, but to actively shape the future.

Impact Summit 2026 will take place on 3 December 2026 at Divadlo Aréna in Bratislava.

Attendance is by invitation only, but selected discussions will be available to the public via livestream on the event website.