Home News Ambrela Development Forum 2026 Opens Dialogue on the Future of Development Cooperation
The fifth edition of the international Ambrela Development Forum 2026 brought together more than 200 participants from approximately 25 countries in Bratislava. Held on 1–2 October 2026, the event provided a platform for discussions on current challenges in international development cooperation, humanitarian assistance and ways to strengthen resilience amid global uncertainty.
Organised by the Slovak Development Organisations Platform – Ambrela, the conference took place at Nová Cvernovka in Bratislava under the theme From Fragility to Resilience: Restoring Hope Amid Global Turmoil. It brought together representatives of international institutions, the public sector, non-governmental organisations, businesses and academia.
One of the conference's central themes was the future of European development cooperation and the role of partnerships in addressing global challenges.
The keynote address was delivered by Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, who highlighted the importance of human development within the EU's Global Gateway initiative. Expert panels and roundtable discussions also explored opportunities for civil society, businesses and other stakeholders to engage in international development partnerships.
Particular attention was given to the role of non-governmental organisations in crisis and conflict-affected areas, Ukraine's recovery and strengthening the resilience of civil society. Discussions also addressed the changing landscape of development financing and the need to explore new forms of cross-sector cooperation.
The two-day programme featured expert discussions, presentations of practical experiences and interactive workshops. These covered topics such as the use of artificial intelligence in development organisations, strategic planning and ethical considerations in humanitarian communication.
Another important part of the conference was a meeting of representatives from 13 national development platforms across Europe, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss shared challenges, including financing, the operating environment for civil society and the future of development organisations.
The conference also offered opportunities to establish professional connections, share knowledge and explore possibilities for further international cooperation.
Ambrela Development Forum 2026 was also supported by the Slovak Republic through SlovakAid. Supporting expert dialogue and cooperation among development and humanitarian actors helps connect Slovak organisations with international partners and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience in development cooperation.
For more information about the conference and its programme, visit the official Ambrela Development Forum website.