From 14 to 17 May 2026, the 34th edition of the International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO) took place in Warsaw, bringing together 115 students from 54 countries worldwide, including Slovakia.

The IPO is an international competition for secondary school students in which winners of national rounds compete in writing a philosophical essay on a given topic. The aim of the event is to promote philosophical education at the secondary school level, increase young people’s interest in philosophy, and develop critical and creative thinking skills.

Two students advanced to this year’s event from the national round of the Philosophy Olympiad organized by the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the Catholic University in Ružomberok: Matúš Kovačič (J. Hronca Grammar School, Bratislava) and Miroslav Tóth (L. Novomeský Grammar School, Bratislava).

Matúš Kovačič’s essay received an Honorary Mention from the international jury. We warmly congratulate Matúš on this achievement and thank both students for their successful representation of Slovakia.

Ján Hrkút and Ivan Koniar participated in the event as members of the international committee evaluating the competition essays.

The participation of the students and teachers in the International Philosophy Olympiad was supported by the project Jean Monnet #101127675 – EUPECCOM (European Perspectives on Climate, Conflict and Migration).