Places are filling fast at the largest international conference on development cooperation, humanitarian aid, and global education in Central and Eastern Europe, the 4th annual Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) 2025. The event takes place on October 16-17, 2025, in Bratislava, Slovakia. The impressive venue is Moyzes Hall, Faculty of Arts, Comenius University, Vajanského nábrežie 12. The program will kick off at 09:00 and include engaging sessions, culminating in a ‚night owl‘ session with the start at 21:00. The second day of the conference is tailored for invited participants only.

A Timely & Critical Dialogue 

With the European Commission having recently finalized drafting the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the timing for our forum could not be more critical. ADF 2025 presents a timely and strategic opportunity for the entire development community to come together to discuss, dissect, and strategize around the new funding cycle and its implications for global partnerships.

New Voices Joining the Conversation

Our lineup of speakers continues growing! We are proud to have with us:

• 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).

They will join our already distinguished speakers, which are listed  here.

Actionable Connections & Innovative Formats

Get a glimpse of what’s in store at ADF 2025 with a preview of some of our most exciting sessions.

• Speed Dating: Join our dynamic side session for a rapid-fire networking experience designed to spark new, actionable connections with fellow attendees.
• DevCo Talks: Inspired by the TED style, this session will feature dynamic voices from different sectors sharing their personal journeys and innovative solutions for humanitarian and development cooperation.
• Night Owl Session: Don’t miss our special session to get to the heart of a crucial topic: Overcoming East-West Divides and Seizing Central Europe’s Opportunity in Ukraine. We’ll have an honest discussion about how Central Europe can step up and play a bigger, more active role in the Global East and elsewhere.

Secure Your Spot Today!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with over 200 practitioners from around 20 countries and engage in high-level dialogue shaping our sector’s future. Click here to register. For more details, visit our website and enjoy the ambiance of the past editions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the solution. This edition of the ADF conference is funded by the UNDP, CEI, Representation of the EC in Slovakia, Canadian and British Embassy in Bratislava, SR and EU under the Program Slovensko. We look forward to welcoming you to Bratislava for yet another unforgettable gathering!