Ambrela
Development
Forum 2026

Join us in Bratislava at Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) 2026

The Ambrela Development Forum (ADF), organized annually by the Slovak Platform for Development Organizations – Ambrela, is a leading international conference that provides a unique space to address global challenges and reimagine international partnerships through high-level discussions and interactive workshops. As the only event of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, the ADF International Conference brings together more than 220 participants from around 23 countries each year.

This year, we’re stripping away the formalities to focus entirely on what truly matters: actionable connections and practical survival tools. Taking place at Nová Cvernovka in Bratislava—the raw, industrial epicenter of independent thought—ADF 2026 is designed to prepare you for the 'geopolitical winter'. Therefore, we invite you to join us for the Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) 2026 under the theme 'From Fragility to Resilience: Reclaiming Hope Amidst Global Turmoil'.

Registration is open now for our ADF 2026 conference: October 1–2, 2026, at Nova Cvernovka in Bratislava, Slovakia. Day one (October 1) will feature a packed program from 9:00 AM and conclude with a special 'night owl' session starting at 9:00 PM. The second day (October 2) is tailored for invited participants only. Watch the #ADF2025 panels recordings on FACEBOOK or YOUTUBE.

Hands-on Training & Specialized Workshops

Practical AI Training: Cut through the hype in the workshop "AI for Non-Profits: From Mindset to Implementation". Led by Matúš Vecel of Swiss-based start-up Inclusion Systems, you will walk away with a real-world roadmap to use AI for fundraising, CRM automation, and database management.

Exclusive Day 2 Workshop (By Registration Only): Polish Humanitarian Action is back after last year's highly praised sessions! On Friday, October 2, Kalina Kabat and Julia Orłowska will lead a deep-dive interactive workshop: "Who Gets to Speak? Power & Privilege in Humanitarian Communication," exploring ethical storytelling and lessons from the war in Ukraine. Spots are strictly limited, and separate registration details will follow soon.

Dynamic Formats & Raw, Real Debates

The Unconference & Night Owl Sessions: Break down the barrier between speaker and audience. Join us for the Unconference Talk on surviving shrinking civic spaces, and don't miss the legendary, informal Night Owl Session where we ditch the polite scripts to discuss surviving smear campaigns and hostile audits, taking place outdoors (weather permitting)!

DevCo Talks (TED-style): Hear rapid, inspiring, and deeply personal frontline stories, including Liudmyla Kryzhanovska (Promprylad Foundation) on how local communities in war-torn Ukraine own their future, and Nadine Saba (Akkar Network for Development) on lessons in resilience from Lebanon’s Syrian border.

Facilitated Speed Dating: Ditch the awkward networking. Let expert facilitator Michal Šoltés guide you through rapid-fire, one-on-one introductions to instantly identify shared interests and trigger new partnerships.

Geopolitics & Development: Tackle big-picture structural changes in dedicated plenaries, including Ukraine as a Strategic Partner, with Deputy Minister Oleksii Riabykin and EU Ambassador Katarína Mathernová.

An Unmatched Speaker Lineup

Engage directly with global leaders and advocates working on the frontlines of crisis and policy, including:

• Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships 
• Katarína Mathernová, EU Ambassador to Ukraine 
• Samuel Migaľ, Minister of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic 
• Dr. Michael Köhler, Grand Bargain Ambassador & Professor, College of Europe Bruges 
• Oleksii Riabykin, Deputy Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine 
• Šimon Pánek, CEO, People in Need, Czech Republic 
• Pauline Chetcuti, President of VOICE & Head of Humanitarian Campaigns and Advocacy for Oxfam International 
• Hans Das, Deputy Director General, DG ECHO, European Commission 
• H.E. Bilal Zahid, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Slovakia 
• Nadine Saba, President, Akkar Network for Development, Lebanon 
• Andrea Najvirtová, Director, People in Peril Slovakia
• Tom Bílý, Chairman of the Board of Directors, FoRS; Financial Director, Fairtrade Czechia and Slovakia
• Discussions will be guided by stellar moderators including Rob Cameron (BBC) and Thomas Seifert (European Voices).

Secure Your Spot Today (Registration and Fees)

The standard registration contribution is 40 EUR, which is reinvested directly into sustaining our community.

Registration is free for speakers, moderators, Ambrela members/observers, and accredited press. If you belong to these categories, please write to us to get the code for complimentary access. All participants must reserve their ticket via the payment portal. 

Why Bratislava? A Unique Opportunity

Bratislava serves as a unique hub for dialogue in the heart of Central Europe, offering perspectives and contacts you won't find in Brussels. Enjoy the ambiance of the past editions here. We can’t wait to meet again for another unforgettable gathering!

ADF 2026 Donors and Strategic Partners

This forum is made possible through the generous support of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic via Program Slovensko – co-financed by the European Union; SR via SlovakAid, ČR via CZECH AID; British Embassy to Slovakia; Embassy of Belgium to Slovakia; People in Need; Polish Humanitarian Action; Julius Meinl Coffee Intl.; and Inclusion Systems GmbH.