Conference: Volunteering 2026 – A Legacy That Transforms Society
The conference at KKC Hviezda in Trenčín (4 December 2025) will bring together representatives of municipalities, institutions, organizations, companies, schools, and volunteers to jointly explore how volunteering can shape culture, community, and social change after 2026.
The programme will include discussions on corporate volunteering, youth education, and cooperation between local governments, as well as examples of good practices from Slovakia and abroad.
The event is organized by the Creative Institute Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture, in cooperation with expert partners: the National Institute for Education and Youth and the Trenčín Volunteer Centre.
Conference Programme
Volunteering 2026 – A Legacy that Transforms Society
A conference on culture, civic engagement, and systemic change after ECoC Trenčín 2026
4 December 2025 | KKC Hviezda, Trenčín | 9:00 – 15:00
8:15 – 9:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee
Exhibition Volunteering in Action and Message Wall – a space of gratitude and appreciation for volunteers.
9:00 – 10:00 | Conference Opening Session
Welcome speech: Mayor of the City of Trenčín, Chair of the Trenčín Self-Governing Region
Keynote: How the European Capital of Culture drives systemic change in volunteering and participation – CEO of Creative Institute Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture (Trenčín2026)
10:00 – 12:00 | Parallel Thematic Sessions
🔹 Corporate Volunteering and Inclusion
Connecting Worlds: Corporate Volunteering for an Inclusive Society
How companies, local governments and volunteer centres can connect the worlds of people from different backgrounds – from corporate to community – and how volunteering can support inclusion, cohesion and coexistence. A discussion on how corporate volunteering creates new forms of collaboration between business and communities, supports vulnerable groups and brings value to all involved. The session will also include practical examples showing how volunteering fosters dialogue and long-term change.
- Panel Discussion: How Companies Transform Communities: Volunteering as a Bridge to Inclusion – Swiss Re, Tower Finance, Oulu2026, Trenčín Volunteer Centre (TNDC)
- Case Study: Kasárenská: A Place Where Worlds Meet – TNDC
- Workshop: How to Engage Companies in Volunteering: From Idea to Partnership – Swiss Re
🔹 Youth, Education and Volunteering
Young People and the World: Volunteering, Learning and New Opportunities
How young people can grow through volunteering, learning, and engagement in community life. This block will present the connection between schools, non-formal education, and international programmes (Erasmus+, European Solidarity Corps, Service Learning). It will show how volunteering develops skills, strengthens civic engagement, and brings positive change both at home and across Europe.
- Panel Discussion: Young People as Drivers of Change : learning in motion – National Institute of Education and Youth – Youth Work Support Department (NIVaM), Volunteer Bodø, Platform of Volunteer Centres and Organisations (PDCO), Trenčín2026 volunteers
- Case Study: Service Learning in Practice: connecting schools, students and the community – TNDC, Gymnasium Lipany
- Workshop: Learning Through Experience: How Volunteering Develops People and Communities – NIVaM
🔹 Volunteering of Trenčín 2026, Local Government and Legacy
Volunteering Transforms Society: From Project to Legacy
How volunteering becomes part of systemic change in public administration, community planning, and the long-term development of cities and regions. This block focuses on the key question: what will remain after 2026, and what kind of volunteering system will we build? It will showcase cooperation between municipalities, volunteer centres, and state institutions that are seeking ways to transform a cultural project into lasting social change.
- Panel Discussion: Volunteering as Part of Public Governance – Government Plenipotentiary’s Office for Civil Society Development (ÚSV ROS), Chemnitz2025, PDCO, Bystriny
- Case Study: How Local Governments Work with Communities – Institute of Participation of the City of Trenčín, (IPT) Trenčín2026
- Workshop: Local government and volunteering: how to build a system that lasts – Bystriny
12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch & Networking
13:00 – 13:45 | International Year of Volunteers 2026 – An Opportunity for Collaboration
An overview of the International Year of Volunteers 2026 as an opportunity to deepen cooperation, share experience and strengthen civic engagement. With contribution from ÚSV ROS.
13:45 – 14:30 | Closing Panel – “Volunteering as a Legacy: What Will Remain After 2026”
A closing discussion with representatives from business, local authorities, the non-profit sector and international partners on how the legacy of ECoC Trenčín2026 can support long-term change.
14:30 – 15:00 | Closing of the Conference
Hosted by: Viktória Havránek, Jakub Gulík and Martin Daško
Cultural Guest: Modrosvit – a jazz-folk band that connects culture, community, and emotion
Speeches
Mgr. Richard Rybníček
- Mayor of the City of Trenčín
Ing. Jaroslav Baška
- Chairman of the Trenčín Self-Governing Region
Mgr. art. Stanislav Krajči
- Director (CEO) of the Creative Institute Trenčín2026 – European Capital of Culture
Speakers
Creative Institute Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture is responsible for implementing the European Capital of Culture title Trenčín2026. In close cooperation with key actors from the private, public, and third sectors, it focuses on developing culture and the creative industry in the city of Trenčín, Trenčín region, and Europe, fulfilling the objectives of the Trenčín2026 title.
- Stanislava Minárik Imrišková leads the Trenčín2026 volunteer program and has long been active in volunteering, non-formal education, and community development. During her studies, she focused on equality topics, which shaped her sensitivity toward inclusion and working with people. She has gained experience across various sectors, including regional volunteer centres. She believes in cooperation, humanity, and the idea that even small steps can bring significant change.
- Dominika Havlíková comes from Trenčín and studies at a bilingual grammar school in Dubnica nad Váhom. She is interested in art, culture, and working with people – she enjoys exploring and taking part in activities that bring inspiration and positive energy.
National Institute for Education and Youth – Department for Youth Work Support focuses on supporting non-formal education, developing youth workers, and strengthening the competencies of young people. It administers the accreditation process for educational programs in the field of youth work and manages the grant scheme of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development, and Youth of the Slovak Republic to support youth organizations and initiatives. The department is also the national correspondent within the YouthWiki network and a member of ERYICA. Through regional coordinators, it supports youth work across Slovakia.
- Helena Klempa is a regional coordinator for youth work support at NIVAM. Her work focuses on developing key competencies, self-awareness, conflict resolution, feedback, and presentation skills. She connects non-formal education with career and personal development for young people and adults working with them.
- Milan Polešenský works as a regional youth work coordinator at NIVAM. He has long been dedicated to youth participation, the development of youth and school parliaments, and participatory budgeting. He also supports the development of young people’s entrepreneurship and competencies and connects youth work with local governments.
- Adam Laták is the European Solidarity Corps coordinator within NIVAM – the National Agency of the Erasmus+ Youth and Sports program. He is responsible for volunteer activities, Youthpass, and the topic of digital transformation.
Trenčín Volunteer Centre is a regional volunteer centre based in Trenčín, active throughout the Trenčín region. It focuses on community development, volunteer education, and activating residents through various programs and campaigns. Its mission is to build more beautiful, open, and solidarity-based communities.
- Mgr. Dagmar Šujanová currently works as a coordinator at the Trenčín Volunteer Centre, focusing on the support and effective coordination of volunteers and creating an environment where everyone feels like part of something important. She perceives volunteering as a space for personal growth, solidarity, and community building.
- Dana Vániová works at the Trenčín Volunteer Centre, where she coordinates two volunteer programs connecting people and communities – Trenčín Helps Ukraine and Kasárenská – Kids at Play. She appreciates diversity – because she believes that differences both distinguish us and bring us together.
Government Plenipotentiary’s Office for Civil Society Development was established in 2011. It is an advisory body of the Slovak government and part of the Ministry of Interior. The office’s main agenda includes the Concept for the Development of Civil Society and its Action Plans, as well as Open Government and its Action Plans. The office has 32 employees and implements four national projects funded by the ESIF. The current plenipotentiary is Simona Zacharová, appointed by the government in March 2024. The office is the national contact point for the UN agenda International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026. Administratively, it supports the Government Council for NGOs.
- Martin Giertl is a strategy and participation expert at the Office of the Plenipotentiary for Civil Society Development, where he leads the Strategy and Participation Department. As a lawyer, he has long been dedicated to human rights and civil society development. From 2014 to 2022, he served as the Government Plenipotentiary for Civil Society Development, shaping policies on participation, transparency, and cooperation between the state and the civic sector.
Platform of Volunteer Centres and Organizations is an umbrella organization. Its mission is to support the creation of a favourable environment for the development of volunteering in Slovakia, acting as the voice of volunteer centres and organizations, advocating for their needs and interests, and translating them into legislative and societal practice.
- Dominika Hradiská is the Director of the Platform of Volunteer Centres and Organizations, with previous work experience in regional volunteer centres. At PDCO, she focuses on developing public policies aimed at improving the environment for volunteering and strengthening volunteer infrastructure.
- Alžbeta Brozmanová Gregorová has been President of the Platform of Volunteer Centres and Organizations since 2011, representing it in the NGO Chamber of the Slovak Government Council for NGOs. She also works at the Faculty of Education, Matej Bel University, where her research focuses on volunteering, service learning, and civil society. In the third sector, she focuses on advocating for a supportive environment for volunteer development.
- Daniela Ivanová is the program manager of the Engaged School program within the Platform, also overseeing the entire agenda of educating children and youth in volunteering through service-learning strategies. She handles communication and first contact with schools, innovative training, support for schools, and the awarding of participating schools.
Institute of Participation of the City of Trenčín plays a key role in strengthening dialogue between citizens and the local government. It aims to ensure that the voices of Trenčín residents are heard and that they actively participate in shaping their city.
- Petra Strečková was the first employee of IPT, which thanks to her enthusiasm quickly took off and integrated smoothly into the city’s structures. Petra excels at facilitating challenging meetings with residents, engaging even children in emotion-mapping activities, and ensuring that every event is accessible to people with various disadvantages.
- Kristína Milová also significantly contributed to the success of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín2026 project. As part of the bid team and in the early years of the project, she helped shape its strategic direction and implementation. At IPT, she brings international insights, shares best practices, and strives to connect diverse communities in the city.
Gymnázium Lipany, winners of the Engaged School 2025 award in the Prešov Region – Project: Tree Passportization. Mapping and protecting trees on Štúrova Street in Lipany. The project connects environmental education with real practice. Students map and categorize trees in public spaces on Štúrova Street – recording their species, health condition, height, trunk circumference, and GPS location. The activity develops environmental awareness, critical and project thinking, observation skills, and teamwork. The result is a comprehensive overview of the green infrastructure, helping the city of Lipany plan maintenance, protection, and replacement planting – linking theory with practice.
- Ing. Petronela Vavreková is a teacher at the Gymnasium in Lipany, known for her active involvement in international educational projects and her experience facilitating student activities. She has long focused on developing student competencies through the service-learning method, which she successfully combines with sustainability and environmental education. In 2025, she participated in the national Science on Stage showcase in Košice with the contribution STEM Education for Sustainable Development.
- Karina Urdová is an 18-year-old student at the Gymnázium in Lipany and the leader of the service-learning project Tree Passportization, which connects community volunteer service with the educational process. She is a shining example of a young person who can turn a school project into real value for the town and the local community.
- Klára Vavreková is an 18-year-old student at the Gymnázium in Lipany who combines diligence with creativity. She is actively involved in the Green School and Engaged School programs, where she focuses on sustainability, volunteering, and improving the school environment.
Bystriny is a network that connects and supports active citizens, initiatives, and NGOs across Slovakia. Through innovative programs, it helps communities shape their environment, build trust, and bring sustainable social change.
- Zuzana Wienk is a Slovak civic activist and publicist, long committed to transparency, ethics in public life, and civic engagement. She worked as a journalist, later co-founded and led the Fair-Play Alliance – an organization focused on fighting corruption and strengthening public integrity. In 2019, she founded Bystriny, an initiative connecting active citizens and supporting social change through the White Crow award and other programs. She is a recognized expert in civic participation, open government, and strengthening trust in institutions.
- Martin Buňo has long worked in community development and cross-sector cooperation. He is an entrepreneur focusing on implementing effective processes in companies and organizations. At Bystriny, he works as a community and financial manager, strengthening the sustainability of civic and informal groups and developing expert volunteering. He has a background in law and economics and experience in public administration, the private sector, and the non-profit field. He is an avid cyclist, reader, and Arsenal London supporter.
Swiss Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance, and other risk-transfer solutions – addressing issues from natural disasters and climate change to population aging and cybercrime. Its vision is to make the world more resilient. Through the Swiss Re Foundation, it helps build resilient communities and actively supports social innovators in Slovakia.
- Zuzana Szalaiová is a CSR specialist at Swiss Re and the Slovak representative of the Swiss Re Foundation. She studied International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Economics in Bratislava and has been with Swiss Re since 2016. From the beginning, she actively joined Swiss Re Foundation activities, and since 2019 she officially represents it in Slovakia. She has participated in international development initiatives in Kenya and Sri Lanka, contributing to the development of social entrepreneurship. In Bratislava, she coordinates employee volunteering, manages grants, communicates with partners, and leads the Slovak philanthropic team.
Tower Finance is a financial company specializing in comprehensive consulting in personal and corporate finance, investment insurance, and wealth management. Its aim is to provide long-term, sustainable solutions tailored to the individual needs of clients. Besides its business activities, Tower Finance is also the founder of the civic association Tower Evolution, which supports education and awareness in financial literacy, personal development, volunteering, and helping socially disadvantaged groups.
- Mário Markech is a proud Trenčín local and patriot, father of twins, volunteer, and entrepreneur in financial intermediation. He has been active in the financial sector for 17 years. He is the co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Tower Finance, as well as the co-founder of the civic association Tower Evolution.
Oulu Culture Foundation, Oulu2026
Oulu Culture Foundation is responsible for the activities of Oulu2026. The foundation develops Oulu as a city of culture and events and promotes the preconditions for artists and the cultural sector, and participates in activities that develop the cultural sector nationally and internationally.
- Anette Eksymä
Anette Eksymä is the volunteer coordinator of Oulu2026, executing the volunteer programme as a whole. Her background is in intercultural teacher education programme and she has work experience from all three sectors, from Utsjoki to Tokyo. On her free time she enjoys roaming the nearby forests in her neighbourhood with her family.
Kulturhauptstadt Europas Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH under the motto C the Unseen, Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH focuses on activities in socioculture, art, corporate culture, building culture, food and nutrition culture, the environment, sustainability, activities for children, young people and senior citizens, as well as numerous other areas of society and culture. The Volunteering Programme is part of the the programme and production department, are structurally anchored in Chemnitz 2025 gGmbH and work closely together to implement the activities from the Bid Book II and the ECOC Year.
- Carsten Richter is part of the coordinaton team for the volunteersprogramme Chemnitz2025 since November 2024, mainly responsible for volunteering in the capital of culture region and european solidarity corps and longterm volunteering. He is 39 years old and a socialworker by profession.
Volunteer Bodø is a volunteer and cultural center in Bodø, and one of the legacy projects from Bodø2024. Our mission is to engage more citizens in cultural activities by supporting organizations, inspiring new volunteers, and showcasing the vital role of volunteering in society.
- Nicole Natalie V. Furnes, from 2022–2024 led the volunteer initiative in Bodø2024 and developed new methods and networks to involve more people in culture through volunteering. These methods and networks are now being further developed by Volunteer Bodø, an umbrella organization for volunteering in Bodø, supported and funded by local, regional, and national authorities. Nicole now serves as the CEO of the organization.
Hosts / Moderators
- Viktória Havránek is a host at Rádio Expres who, in addition to her work, also engages in social and community events. She believes that volunteering and cooperation give true meaning to society, and therefore actively contributes to raising awareness of their importance.
- Jakub Gulík is a stand-up comedian and a long-time member of Silné Reči, for whom being on stage is as natural as breathing. Besides stand-up, he also hosts the satirical show Ťažký Týždeň, where he humorously and insightfully comments on social events in Slovakia and around the world.
- Martin Daško is a 19-year-old volunteer from Prievidza, a university student, and an active trainer in non-formal education. He has long been involved in youth initiatives, connecting young people with their communities.
Cultural Program
- Modrosvit – a jazz-folk band that blends culture, community, and emotion.
The conference is organised in cooperation with expert partners:
National Institute for Education and Youth (NIVaM) – Youth Work Support Departmen, Trenčín Volunteer Centre.
The organizer reserves the right to modify the programme or speakers if necessary.
