AmCham Slovakia

FACTS & FIGURES 

Imagine a world where the usage of healthcare data and electronic health records, digital tools, telemedicine, and health apps are becoming more prevalent, allowing for better patient care and data-driven decision-making where the rise of the Internet of Medical Things enables patients to actively participate in their own health management. Envision further, wearable devices, remote monitoring, and personalized disease management empower individuals to take charge of their well-being and advances in genomics and precision medicine allow for tailored treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup. These scenarios are not speculative, they are today's realities and tomorrow's inevitable challenges.   

WHAT TO START WITH? 

Health systems around the globe will face 21st-century challenges such as aging populations, rising costs of health care delivered, challenges of timely access and application of the latest practices, collection, protection, processing, and use of health data, and shortages of skilled workforce. Compared to Western countries, Slovakia faces particular specificities such as low participation in preventive check-ups around 37% as opposed to 70% in Western countries, below-average healthy life expectancy 57 years as opposed to 64 years as an average in EU countries, low public finances for healthcare in terms of the country's GDP around 7% compared to 10% in EU countries or high rates of avoidable deaths compared to Western countries (where Slovakia, among EU countries, has long been at the bottom of the rankings). New approaches to healthcare are being applied around the world, with innovative solutions and practices being experimented with. It is up to us how we seize this opportunity and how we will be successful in reforming the Slovak health system, for which reform is essential. At the Health Day during the Festival of Future, we will present new perspectives that should help us in these endeavors, while highlighting what is at stake if we do not make the necessary reforms and investments.  

WHAT WILL BE OUR FOCUS? 

• What are the common challenges that health systems around the world faces and how can Slovakia proactively prepare for them? 
• What strategies can be employed to secure adequate funding and establish an effective governance model, ensuring a more predictable budgetary environment? 
• How to benefit from the potential of health data and digitalization in Slovakia, despite the shortcomings of the current infrastructure, legislation or lack of personal in this area compared to the frontrunners in this field?  
• What impact will the new EU laws and regulations have on the quality and accessibility of healthcare and treatment in Slovakia? How to achieve regulation that will promote innovation while protecting patient rights in healthcare?  
• How can we identify the right, effective, and achievable path to better healthcare in the future in the areas that affect the Slovak population the most (cardiological, oncological, respiratory, or neurological diseases)?  
• How to address the shortage of skilled healthcare personnel, as this is a global problem facing all countries, not just developed ones?  

During the event we will try to highlight successful examples and practices from abroad that can be an inspiration for Slovak public administration and actors in the field of health care. Numerous sectoral experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders from the private and public sectors will have an opportunity to be inspired and elaborate on what is possible to achieve in Slovakia in the future. 

FACTS & FIGURES

Imagine a world where 76% of global consumers say they would boycott a product or company if they discovered it was not environmentally friendly or sustainable, for example, a world where 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. Envision further, a future where over 60% of Fortune 500 companies set renewable energy targets, anticipating future regulatory requirements, and a global green economy worth $12 trillion by 2030. These scenarios are not speculative, they are today's realities and tomorrow's inevitable challenges. As the pace of ESG accelerates, the Festival of Future invites you to engage with the immediate impact of these developments on our societies, economies, and workplaces.

WHAT TO START WITH?

In 2022, the European Union implemented a directive mandating ESG reporting, marking a pivotal shift towards enhanced transparency and corporate responsibility. This directive introduces new obligations for companies. However, ESG is not just a regulatory burden, it also offers multiple opportunities. It enables companies to openly express their values, demonstrate their approach to corporate responsibility, and distinguish themselves in a competitive landscape.

At AmCham Slovakia, we recognize the importance of the forthcoming shift towards economically sustainable growth, which is why we are building on our initiatives for a few months and are eager to explore how businesses can effectively navigate the green transition. We have partnered with Circular Slovakia to provide an enriching experience, featuring a screening of “Beyond Zero” movie followed by an in-depth discussion. In the afternoon, we will continue with thematic roundtables led by industry experts initiated at our AmCham Beyond Green conference in April 2024. Stay tuned for an impressive lineup of speakers and join us in this insightful journey.

WHAT WILL BE OUR FOCUS?

• Environmental Impact - Businesses are responsible for approximately 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and the industrial sector consumes about 54% of the world’s total energy, making energy efficiency crucial for reducing carbon emissions. The European Union aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
• Innovation Impact - Businesses can achieve up to 30% energy savings by investing in energy-efficient technologies and practices. The global market for green building materials is expected to reach $364.6 billion by 2022, driven by energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices. 88% of executives believe that sustainability drives innovation and opens new market opportunities. Companies with strong sustainability practices outperform their peers by 4.8% in terms of stock market performance.
• Beyond Zero - After a life-changing epiphany, the CEO of a global public company embarks on a high-stakes quest to eliminate all negative environmental impacts by 2020. To succeed, they must overcome deep skepticism, abandon the status quo, and ignite a new industrial revolution. Beyond Zero offers an inspirational roadmap for how businesses can reverse climate change.

By understanding and addressing these key facts, numbers, and trends, businesses can effectively navigate the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible operating model.