The Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) 2025, an international conference organized by the Platform for Development Organizations – Ambrela on October 16–17, 2025, in Bratislava, was primarily focused on the path of neighboring Ukraine—from humanitarian aid to reconstruction—as well as major EU policies such as Global Gateway or the Humanitarian Reset. The various formats of the conference also addressed current global challenges in other post-conflict countries around the world, where Central Europe has valuable contributions to offer.
In the middle of October, the fourth edition of the international conference Ambrela Development Forum (ADF), hosted by the Ambrela platform, took place at the Moyzes Hall of the Faculty of Arts, Comenius University (FiF UK) in Bratislava. It offered an inspiring event focused on supporting regular dialogue and building trust among EU institutions, bilateral partners, civil society organizations from its member states, and the private sector. Three dozen speakers, renowned for their expertise and dedication to 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, took the stage at ADF.
The ADF 2025 program covered three key themes that can significantly influence the future of development cooperation and humanitarian aid:
„Ukraine formed a significant part of our discussions again this year. However, we also did not forget panels on development cooperation and humanitarian aid with outreach to Eastern Africa, the Middle East, and other post-conflict countries globally. Central Europe has a lot to offer here—our experiences with reconstruction, reforms, and integration. We know how difficult it is, but we also know that it is possible,“ recalls Daniel Kaba, Executive Secretary of the Ambrela platform, which organizes the ADF conference.
In addition to traditional panel discussions and sessions, the 220 development experts from 23 countries present at ADF had the opportunity to network with actors in development and financing policies and deepen partnerships through innovative formats. The expert lecture by Dr. Hugo Slim from the University of Oxford on redefining the purpose of humanitarian aid received an exceptional response. Alongside professional workshops and high-level bilateral meetings, this year featured the refreshing ‚Speed Dating‘ format, designed for quick networking among attendees.
Three TED-style presentations, dubbed ‚DevCo Talks,‘ also garnered great feedback, where three expert speakers shared their personal field stories and innovative solutions in humanitarian aid and development cooperation with the audience. Attendees heard exceptionally personal stories from Iva Kozlovska, founder of Women in Tech (WIT) in Ukraine, and Zuzana Ulman, founder of the Slovak humanitarian organization STEP IN, which is actively operating in southeastern Ukraine. Kieto Mahaniah, Coordinator of Humanitarian Operations at the German organization HELP Logistics, connected his career choice with the Slovak roots of his ancestors.
The special late-night format, ‚Night Owl Session,‘ welcomed record attendance, where Jan Mrkvička from the Czech organization People in Need (Člověk v tísni) and Jeroen Uytterschaut from the Brussels office of World Vision shared their views on strengthening the position and leveraging the opportunities of Central Europe in Ukraine. More information about the conference can be found here.
The Platform for 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, along with its members, observers, donors, and partners, celebrated the 20th anniversary of the platform‚s existence and significance in the region.
The October Ambrela Development Forum (ADF) is Ambrela’s flagship event. It is a unique concept that builds cooperation between development and humanitarian actors from the 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
Note on Financing: The Ambrela Development Forum #ADF2025 was financed by strategic partners and donors: CEI, UNDP, the European Commission Representation in Slovakia, the Canadian and British Embassies in Bratislava, Inclusion Systems, the Slovak Republic and the EU through the Slovakia Program. The Ambrela Platform is solely responsible for the conference content and it does not necessarily reflect the views of the donors, the SR, or the EU.
Copyright 2025 Ambrela - Platform for Development Organisations. This site is funded by the UNDP, CEI, SR and EU under the Program Slovensko. Ambrela is solely responsible for its content and does not necessarily reflect the views of the donors.