Under the theme “A World in Transition: Reclaiming Global Partnerships through Dialogue,” the 4th edition of the ADF promises to be our most impactful gathering yet, bringing together over 250 practitioners, policymakers, and funders from more than 20 countries for two days of critical dialogue and networking.
Conference Details at a Glance
- Dates: October 16-17, 2025
- Venue: Moyzes Hall, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University, Vajanského nábrežie 12, Bratislava, Slovakia.
- Start Time: Please be there 08:30 on October 16th to register, grab a coffee and chat. The program officially kicks off at 09:00.
- Note on Day 2: The second day of the conference is tailored for invited participants only.
The conference will be conducted in English.
Program Highlights and Updates
This year’s forum is timed perfectly with the finalization of the draft for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), offering a strategic opportunity to discuss its implications for global partnerships.
You will have the opportunity to engage in 17 high-level sessions focusing on key topics including:
- New Realities in Development Cooperation: The EU and UN Role, Resource (R)evolution and Principles
- Humanitarian Aid at a Crossroads: New Challenges, Old Systems
- Ukraine in Transition: Pathways from Relief to Renewal
What’s New & Exciting
We’ve added innovative session formats designed to spark connections and ideas:
- Speed Dating: A dynamic side session for rapid-fire networking to build new, actionable connections.
- DevCo Talks: Short, TED-style talks featuring dynamic voices from different sectors.
- Photo Exhibition: An opportunity to see the world through the eyes of photojournalist Albert Lores, reflecting the realities and progress of global development.
- Night Owl Session: Don’t miss our special evening session (starting at 21:00) focusing on Overcoming East-West Divides and Seizing Central Europe’s Opportunity in Ukraine.
Confirmed Speakers
Our lineup of distinguished speakers continues to grow! We are proud to host figures from major EU institutions, civil society, and the private sector, including:
- 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)
You can view the growing list of speakers on our dedicated event platform: https://adf2025.
Powerful Partners
We are delighted to acknowledge the critical support and collaboration of our of key governmental, institutional, and civil society organizations, whose engagement ensures the Ambrela Development Forum remains the premier event of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe:
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Central European Initiative (CEI)
- Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia
- Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic
- Program Slovensko – co-financed by the European Union
- British Embassy to Slovakia
- Embassy of Canada to Slovakia
- Faculty of Philosophy, Comenius University
- Otvorená Hra
- Institute for Public Affairs
- EURACTIV.sk
What Can You Do Next?
- Share with colleagues to register for the final 30 seats available: https://forms.gle/
EogndbZzMZfYw9WXA .Registration is open until October 8, 2025, or until seats are filled. - Share your excitement on social networks using the hashtag #ADF2025.
- Check out the full agenda (pre-final) attached and here: https://adf2025.lineupr.
com/ambrela/schedule . - Keep an eye on your inbox for a final logistics and programme mail closer to the date.