We are thrilled to invite you to the Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) International Conference 2025, taking place on October 16–17, 2025, in Bratislava, Slovakia. The impressive venue is Moyzes Hall, Faculty of Arts (part of Comenius University on Vajanského nábrežie 12). The program will kick off at 09:00 and include engaging sessions, culminating in a ‚night owl‘ session with the start at 21:00. The second day of the conference is tailored for invited participants only.

Under the theme ‘A World in Transition: Reclaiming Global Partnerships through Dialogue‘, the 4th edition of ADF promises to be an even more impactful gathering, building on the success and momentum of our previous forums. As the only international development cooperation and humanitarian aid conference of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, ADF continues to be a strategic space for fostering regular and continuous dialogue and building trust among EU institutions, member state governments, civil society organisations, the private sector, and international partners.

Why join us? What makes this year different?

This year, we delve deeper into the critical challenges facing the development sector, offering a unique platform for high-level policy dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. You will have the opportunity to:

• Connect with over 250 in-person development practitioners, policymakers, and funders from more than 20 countries.
• Engage in 17 high-level sessions, innovative formats, and practical activities designed to shape regional responses and boost your own capacity to act.
• Build cross-sector partnerships that lead to concrete initiatives and actionable connections.

Who are our speakers? 

We are proud to continue our tradition of hosting prominent figures in the development cooperation and humanitarian action fields. 

• The EU and UN Power Brokers: Erica Gerretsen (DG INTPA); Arnaud Dupont (DG ECHO); Elena Višnar Malinovská (DG ENEST); Steliana Nedera (UNDP); 
• Central & Eastern European (CEE) Leadership: Jan Mrkvička (People in Need); Grzegorz Gruca (Polish Humanitarian Action); Justyna Janiszewska (Solidarity Fund PL); Andrea Najvirtová (People in Peril); Veronika Macsai (Integra Foundation);
• Voices on Ukraine’s Renewal: Olha Nikolaievych (Mykolaiv Regional Development Agency); Liudmyla Kryzhanovska (Promprylad Foundation); Iva Kozlovska (Women in Tech Ukraine/Qubit Labs); Iryna Khomiak (German Marshall Fund);
• Global Humanitarian & Development Think Tanks: Dr. Hugo Slim (University of Oxford); Jeroen Uytterschaut (World Vision); Alexei Jones (ECDPM);
• High-Level Political & Diplomatic Perspectives: H.E. Maurice Makoloo (Kenya); Petr Gandalovič (Czech Republic); Ambassadors and Embassy staff from at least 11 diplomatic missions;
• Civil Society & Advocacy Leaders: Tanya Cox (CONCORD Europe); Martina Břeňová (Open Society Fund Prague); Floris Faber (ACT Alliance); Veronika Fishbone Vlčková (Milan Šimečka Foundation); Daniel Kaba (Ambrela); 
• Innovators & New Voices:  Kieto Mahaniah (HELP Logistics); Zuzana Ulman (STEP IN); Lisa Ringhofer (TripleMinds); Michal Šoltés (Otvorená Hra & Open Academy); Albert Lores (Photojournalist).

What are our key topics?

1. New Realities in Development Cooperation: The EU’s Role, Resource (R)evolution and Principles
2. Humanitarian Aid at a Crossroads: New Challenges, Old Systems
3. Ukraine in Transition: Pathways from Relief to Renewal

Please register using the following link. Check out the previous editions on our ADF website. We look forward to welcoming you to Bratislava for yet another unforgettable gathering!