As the world navigates growing social, economic, and environmental uncertainty, one question continues to shape organisations working for impact: How do we move forward together?
This question sat at the heart of the Impact Hub Global Gathering 2026 in Sintra, Portugal, where over 120 Impact Hub communities from across the world came together under the theme “Reconnecting, Redefining, Working Through Challenges, and Solidarity.” Representing Impact Hub Kathmandu at its third Global Gathering since joining the network, we returned with renewed conviction that meaningful change is built not only through innovative ideas, but through trust, shared leadership, and collective action.
Set against the forests and hills of Sintra, the gathering began with an invitation to honestly reflect on where the global network stands today. Sessions encouraged participants to ground themselves in current realities, from shifts in the impact economy and changing funding landscapes to the evolving role of Impact Hubs in strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems. Rather than focusing solely on challenges, the discussions highlighted the importance of building stronger structures, embracing collaboration, and preparing the network for its next chapter.
A significant milestone of this year’s gathering was the transition into a new phase of governance. Members collectively welcomed the network’s new leadership and participated in the election of the Board, reinforcing one of the defining characteristics of the Impact Hub network: decisions are made collectively, transparently, and with the participation of the community itself. Conversations also provided greater clarity on how the leadership transition had been designed, validating the processes that underpin a global network built on trust and shared ownership.
The gathering also celebrated growth across the network. Among the highlights was welcoming Impact Hub Myanmar to its very first Global Gathering. Although the Hub has been operating for more than a decade, this marked its first opportunity to participate in person alongside the wider community, an important reminder that every Hub’s journey is unique, yet deeply interconnected with the collective story of the network.
Beyond formal sessions, the gathering created spaces for genuine human connection. Through peer exchanges, open conversations, and a hike through Sintra’s landscape, we experienced firsthand how resilience is strengthened through relationships. The hike became more than an outdoor activity; it symbolised the journey of the network itself. As we navigated winding trails together, they relied on teamwork, encouragement, and shared curiosity, qualities that mirror how the global community continues to navigate complexity while supporting one another.
Discussions throughout the gathering looked beyond individual organisations and challenged participants to imagine the future of the network. Conversations explored how Impact Hubs can move beyond supporting entrepreneurs alone to becoming stronger ecosystem builders, connecting communities, institutions, and changemakers across borders. While contexts differed from country to country, participants repeatedly found common ground in shared values, common challenges, and a collective commitment to creating more inclusive and sustainable economies.
For us, the experience reinforced the importance of belonging to a global community that continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its founding principles of collaboration, trust, and impact.
“Being surrounded by people who share the same values, vision, and commitment to creating meaningful impact was both inspiring and reassuring. It reinforced my confidence in the path we are on and reminded me of the strength of being part of a truly global community. I returned to Kathmandu energized, with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for what we can build together.”
– Aarati Shrestha, Co-founder & Deputy Director, IH KTM
“The gathering reminded me that resilience is not built by having all the answers. It is built through trust, by embracing vulnerability, and by creating spaces where people can openly share challenges and collectively shape solutions. That spirit of solidarity is what makes this network truly unique“
– Padmaskshi Rana, PhD, Co-founder and Executive Director, IH KTM.
As Impact Hub Kathmandu continues its work in Nepal, the Global Gathering served as a reminder that local impact is strengthened by global collaboration. In a world facing increasingly complex challenges, the future belongs to networks that are willing to reconnect, redefine their roles, and move forward together, not in isolation, but in solidarity.
