The Impact Summit 2026: From Resilience to New Confidence

The past few years have taught us to endure. Today, however, we increasingly feel that resilience alone is not enough. What drives us to take action? This is one of the key topics of the Impact Summit 2026, which will explore the theme of New Confidence.

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

But what comes after resilience? What makes us act, get involved in tackling problems of our communities and believe that our decisions can make a difference?

These are the questions that will be explored at the Impact Summit 2026, under the theme New Confidence. We do not view it as a psychological trait, but as the ability of individuals, communities and countries not only to cope with change, but to play an active role in shaping it.

Focus on Data

How do people in Slovakia perceive their ability to change things around them? What motivates them to get involved in problem solving? What do they believe strengthens the society, and how do they see the future of our country? We set out to answer these questions through a representative survey conducted for the Impact Summit among 1,000 respondents from across Slovakia.

The results showed that people have not lost interest in addressing public issues. At the same time, however, they are increasingly doubtful that their voice has an impact.

The Willingness to Act Remains

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

At the same time, one in five people in Slovakia is losing faith that their voice can make a difference. This sense of powerlessness is precisely what weakens the confidence of individuals and society as a whole.

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

What Strengthens the Society

Respondents most often associated the weakening of society with the country’s economic situation, corruption and low trust in the state, social incoherence and the emigration of talented people abroad.

The participants, however, also addressed what can strengthen society: greater trust between people and in institutions, less polarised public debate, more cooperation between communities, businesses and the state, as well as a tangible vision for Slovakia’s future.

The survey data therefore show that the economic situation indeed matters.

Chilean-Spanish-American scientist César Hidalgo will offer a perspective on how countries can develop their strengths and why their success stems from collecting the experiences and knowledge of their people.

Vision for the Future

People have concerns about Slovakia’s future, but they also recognise the country’s potential. Almost 22% of respondents believe that Slovakia can move forward, while a further 18% see its potential but feel that the country lacks a shared vision. More than 13% perceive Slovakia as adapting to circumstances rather than setting its own direction.

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