The international conference Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) 2025, organized by the Platform of Development Organizations – Ambrela in Bratislava on October 16–17, focused thematically primarily on the path of neighboring Ukraine – from humanitarian aid to recovery, but also on major EU policies such as Global Gateway or the Humanitarian Reset. The various conference formats also addressed current global challenges in other post-conflict countries around the world, where Central Europe has much to offer.

Last Thursday, the fourth edition of the international conference Ambrela Development Forum (ADF), organized by the Ambrela platform, took place in the Moyzes Hall of the Faculty of Arts at Comenius University in Bratislava. It offered a stimulating event – aimed at fostering regular dialogue and building trust between EU institutions, bilateral partners, civil society organizations from its member states, and the private sector. Three dozen speakers took the floor at ADF, known for their expertise and dedication to the topic of international development, as well as their willingness to actively seek solutions to current global challenges across continents and find ways to restore partnerships through dialogue.

The ADF 2025 program addressed three key themes that could significantly shape 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: Paths from Aid to Recovery.

"Ukraine once again formed a significant part of our discussions this year. But we also did not forget the panels on development cooperation and humanitarian aid with a focus on East Africa, the Middle East, and other post-conflict countries around the world. Central Europe has much to offer here – our experience with reconstruction, reforms, and integration. We know how difficult it is, but we also know it is possible," recalls Daniel Kaba – Executive Secretary of the Ambrela platform, which organizes the ADF conference.

Alongside traditional panel discussions and sessions within ADF, the 220 development experts from 22 countries present had the opportunity to make contacts with actors in development policy and financing and to deepen partnerships in innovative formats. A lecture by Dr. Hugo Slim of Oxford University on redefining the purpose of humanitarian aid received an extraordinary response. Alongside expert workshops and high-level bilateral meetings, this year's refreshment was the so-called 'Speed Dating', used for rapid networking among attendees.

Three TED-style presentations – 'DevCo Talks' – also received a great response, where three expert speakers shared their personal stories from the field and innovative solutions in humanitarian aid and development cooperation with the audience. Those present heard deeply personal stories from Iva Kozlovska – founder of Women in Tech (WIT) in Ukraine, and Zuzana Ulman – founder of the Slovak humanitarian organization STEP IN, actively operating in southeastern Ukraine. The coordinator of humanitarian operations management at the German organization HELP Logistics – Kieto Mahaniah – connected his career choice to the Slovak roots of his ancestors.

The special nighttime format 'Night Owl Session' also saw above-average participation, in which Jan Mrkvička from the Czech organization People in Need and Jeroen Uytterschaut from the Brussels office of World Vision offered their perspective on strengthening the position and leveraging opportunities for Central Europe in Ukraine. More about the conference can be found here: https://developmentforum.ambrela.org/

About the organizer of the ADF conference – the Slovak platform Ambrela

The Platform of Development Organizations – Ambrela brings together three dozen predominantly non-governmental organizations in Slovakia focused on humanitarian aid, development cooperation, global citizenship education, and sustainable development at home and abroad. In 2023, Ambrela, together with its members, observers, donors, and partners, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the platform's existence and significance in the region.

The October conference Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) is Ambrela's flagship event. It is a unique concept that builds collaborations between development and humanitarian actors from public administration, civil society, and international organizations in the Central and Eastern European region. More information about Ambrela's activities can be found on the website: www.ambrela.org

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

Funding note: The Ambrela Development Forum #ADF2025 conference was funded by resources from strategic partners and donors: CEI, UNDP, the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia, the Canadian and British Embassies in Bratislava, Inclusion Systems, the Slovak Republic and the EU through the Slovakia Programme. The Ambrela Platform is solely responsible for the content of the conference and it does not necessarily reflect the views of the donors, the Slovak Republic, or the EU.