Ambrela
Development
Forum 2026

Ambrela Development Forum 2026 – Reclaiming Global Partnerships through Dialogue

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 200 participants from around 20 countries each year. The next edition, ADF 2026, will take place on 1–2 October 2026 in Bratislava, Slovakia.

WATCH THE #ADF2025 PANELS LIVE ON FACEBOOK OR YOUTUBE

Crucial topics

This year's conference will offer an impactful platform for high-level policy dialogue and cross-sector collaboration. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Connect with 220 policymakers, practitioners, and funders.
• Engage in 15+ high-level sessions and innovative formats designed to boost your capacity to act.
• Build cross-sector partnerships that lead to concrete initiatives and actionable connections.

The last year's program delved into three crucial topics shaping the future of development and humanitarian aid:

• 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

Great Speakers

We were proud to host a lineup of speakers renowned for their expertise and dedication, including Hugo Slim, professor at the University of Oxford; Martina Břeňová, Executive Director of Open Society Fund Prague; Erika Gerretsen, Director of DG INTPA for human development, migration, governance and peace; and many many others. As you can see here:

• 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: 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).

Event Details

ADF 2026 will take place on October 1–2, 2026 at the unique community space 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.

This edition of the ADF conference is funded so far by ČR via CzechAid, SR and EU under the Program Slovensko. 

WATCH THE #ADF2025 PANELS LIVE ON FACEBOOK OR YOUTUBE