Given the ongoing Russian military aggression in Ukraine, the immense humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the fragile situation in Ethiopia, the civil war in Sudan, and the escalating climate crisis and shrinking space for civil society, global partnerships are facing a critical test. The International Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) 2025 conference, which is organized in Bratislava on 16–17 October by Platforma rozvojových organizácií – Ambrela, offers a unique space for finding solutions to these complex challenges and for renewing partnerships through dialogue.

The fourth edition of the Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) promises an inspiring event that will build on the success and momentum of previous forums produced by Platforma Ambrela. As the only international conference on development cooperation and humanitarian aid of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, ADF remains a strategic space for fostering regular dialogue and building trust among EU institutions, representatives of institutions from its member states, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners.

“Our October ADF conference is timed perfectly because the European Commission recently prepared a proposal for the new Multiannual Financial Framework. Another major topic is ‘humanitarian reset’. It will therefore be a strategic opportunity for the entire development community to come together in Bratislava and discuss these issues,” recalls Ambrela Secretary-General Daniel Kaba.

Platforma Ambrela will welcome in Bratislava a range of speakers who are known for their expert knowledge and commitment to international development. The list of speakers is continuously expanding, but those already confirmed include, for example: Erica Gerretsen, director of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (GR INTPA) within the European Commission (EC); Elena Višnar Malinovská, head of the Unit for Recovery and Accession; deputy head of the Unit for Ukraine, Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (GR ENEST) within the EC; Hugo Slim, professor at Oxford University; Tanya Cox, director of CONCORD Europe; Iva Kozlovska, founder of Women in Tech (WIT) in Ukraine; Kieto Mahaniah, coordinator of humanitarian operations leadership at HELP Logistics; and Jan Mrkvička, director of the Assistance and Development Department at the Czech organization Človek v tísni (ČvT / PiN).

Slovak experts will also be present – directors of Slovak humanitarian organizations (Ambrela platform members): Zuzana Ulman from STEP IN, Andrea Najvirtová from Človek v Ohrození, and Veronika Macsai from Nadácia Integra.

Get useful contacts through ADF’s innovative formats

ADF 2025 will focus on three key themes shaping the future of development cooperation and humanitarian aid: New realities in development cooperation: the role of the EU and the UN, (R)evolution of resources and its principles; Humanitarian aid at a crossroads: new challenges, old systems; Ukraine in transition: pathways from aid to recovery.

This year’s conference provides a platform for high-level political dialogue and cross-sectoral cooperation. Two hundred participants will have the opportunity to network with actors in development policy and financing, deepen partnerships that can lead to concrete initiatives, and take part in more than fifteen discussions and sessions in innovative formats. New elements at ADF 2025 include, for example, ‘Speed Dating,’ which enables rapid networking among attendees, and ‘DevCo Talks,’ inspired by the TED presentation style, where selected guests share their personal field stories as well as innovative solutions in humanitarian aid and development cooperation. A special night format, the ‘Night Owl Session,’ is also prepared, where invited experts will offer their perspective on strengthening the position and leveraging opportunities for Central Europe with regard to Ukraine. The full program is available HERE.

About the organizer of ADF – the Slovak Ambrela platform

Platforma rozvojových organizácií – Ambrela brings together around thirty predominantly non-governmental organizations in Slovakia focused on humanitarian aid, development cooperation, education for global citizenship, and sustainable development both at home and abroad. In 2023, Ambrela, with its members, observers, donors, and partners, celebrated its 20th anniversary and significance in the region.

The October Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) conference is Ambrela’s flagship event. It is a unique concept that builds collaboration between development and humanitarian actors from public administration, civil society, and international organizations in the Central and Eastern Europe region. For more information on Ambrela’s activities, visit: www.ambrela.org.

Text: Ambrela (www.ambrela.org), Photo: Ambrela archive

Funding note: The Ambrela Development Forum #ADF2025 conference is funded by resources from UNDP, CEI, the EC Delegation in Slovakia, the Canadian and British Embassies in Bratislava, the Slovak Republic and the EU through the Slovensko Programme. Platforma Ambrela is solely responsible for the conference content and does not necessarily reflect the views of donors, the Slovak Republic, and the EU.

Programme note: The program starts on 16 October at 9:00 and will include various discussion formats in two tracks, culminating in a ‘night’ session at 21:00. The second day of the conference (17 October) is reserved for invited participants from national development platforms and selected actors.