AmCham Slovakia

Welcome to the ESG Day at the Festival of Future! 

This day is about exploring how emerging megatrends are shaping our sustainable future. Our agenda is designed to align with the festival's overarching themes, diving deep into the intersection of environmental, social, and governance issues. 

From groundbreaking green strategies and the latest in sustainable finance to the transformative power of space technology, our sessions are crafted to inspire innovative solutions and actionable insights. 

Engage with experts, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and brainstorm new ideas as we collectively navigate the challenges and opportunities of our evolving world.  On the occasion of the 30th anniversary, in the light of megatrends, let’s shape a more sustainable and resilient future together! 

AGENDA

9:30 – REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING / CONNECTING MINDS, FORGING FUTURES

10:00 – OPENING OF THE ESG DAY

10:05 – OPENING SPEECH / PIONEERING PATHWAYS IN SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

10:20 – BALANCING ACT: ADVANCING THE GREEN DEAL ALONGSIDE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT / PANEL DISCUSSION: NAVIGATING SUSTAINABILITY AND INDUSTRY IN HARMONY

The Green Deal and industrial development are often mentioned in the same breath, but can these two seemingly opposing forces truly coexist? How do we advance sustainability without stifling industrial growth? While the Green Deal promises a more sustainable future, what does that mean for industries that drive our economies? Can we find a middle ground, or are we overlooking the complexities that each sector presents? This panel discussion will dive into the heart of these questions, exploring whether we can truly balance environmental ambitions with the realities of industrial needs.

11:00 – FUTURE OF FINANCE: GREEN STRATEGIES FROM CITI AND WOLF THEISS / CONVERSATION: INNOVATIVE FINANCE FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW 

As we discuss innovative finance for a sustainable tomorrow, how can we connect the lessons of the past 30 years with the challenges of the next 30? Reflecting on the evolution of sustainable finance, what can we learn from its history, and how will it shape the future? Beyond theory, how do green bonds, loans, and new regulations play into this narrative? Can these tangible tools pave the way for real change, or are there deeper, more complex shifts required to truly transform the financial landscape?

11:30 - DEFINING AND NAVIGATING RESPONSIBLE INVESTING / FIRE-SIDE CHAT: CRITERIA, CHALLENGES, AND IMPACT MEASUREMENT IN ESG

In the evolving landscape of ESG, what does it mean to invest responsibly? This fire-side chat will explore the nuances of responsible investing, diving deep into the criteria, challenges, and impact measurement that define this critical approach.

11:35 - KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

Join us for a keynote speech by Lawrence M. Krauss, the renowned theoretical physicist and bestselling author. Krauss will break down the science behind our planet’s climate system, offering critical insights into the challenges we face. He will be joined by Samuel Kováčik, known as Vedátor, a distinguished Slovak theoretical physicist. Together, they’ll explore how physics can guide our understanding and response to climate change.

12:20 – LUNCH BREAK AT THE SPOT

13:00 – DATA IN ORBIT: ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND AI / EXPERT TALK: REACHING NEW HEIGHTS WITH SPACE TECH AND SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

How can we harness the power of space technology and artificial intelligence to drive sustainability? This expert talk will explore how cutting-edge space tech and innovative software solutions are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. By reaching new heights, we can unlock new ways to monitor, manage, and protect our planet, demonstrating the potential of technology to create a more sustainable future.

13:30 – IDEATION SESSIONS: THEMATIC BRAINSTORMING WORKSHOPS / WORKSHOPS: COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION FOR PRACTICAL ESG SOLUTIONS

Dive into collaborative innovation with our thematic brainstorming workshops focused on practical ESG solutions. From Power Purchase Agreements and enhancing diversity and inclusion in the supply chain to refining reporting practices and exploring real estate strategies, these sessions will tackle key ESG challenges. Join us to generate actionable ideas and innovative approaches that drive real impact and foster effective ESG communication.

• Power Purchase Agreement Contracts led by PwC
• Diversity and Inclusion in the Supply Chain led by Wolf Theiss
• Reporting led by PwC
• Real Estate led by Corwin
• ESG Communication led by Seesame
  
  
• Green Claims Talk by CMS (Gabriela Staber, Soňa Hanková)

The ESG Conference will be moderated by:

14:30 – COFFEE BREAK  /We invite you to take a coffee break now. This isn't just a pause—it's a prelude to something special.

After the break, join us for the Slovak premiere of the acclaimed documentary Beyond Zero, followed by an intriguing panel discussion. It’s an inspiring exploration of sustainability you won't want to miss.

Find out more and register also to the “BEYOND ZERO” movie screening and Panel Discussion

SPEAKERS BIOs (in alphabetical order)

JURAJ ADAMICA - Juraj has been working at SPP since 2010, successively in the areas of energy law, regulation and public affairs. From 2021, he holds the position of SPP sustainability manager, in which he identifies areas for increasing the sustainability of SPP's business and internal processes and coordinates the implementation of ESG principles across the company. He studied law at the Comenius University in Bratislava.

MÁRIA ALUŠÍKOVÁ - Maria is the Director and Head of Investment Manager Oversight at Swiss Re Asset Management. With her 18 years of experience in financial investments, Maria oversees the platform of external investment managers and ensures these meet the highest standards of governance, performance and service delivery, in line with Swiss Re expectations, including sustainability criteria and ESG integration into investments. She also leads the due diligence and monitoring of the investment managers and regularly engages with global asset management companies on various investment and operational themes, such as market trends, ESG, risk management, compliance and others. Maria holds the degree in Finance from the University of Economics in Bratislava and International Trade from ESCI in Fontainebleau, France.

SEVIM AKTAS - Sevim Aktas is a policy officer at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action. She founded EU Green Deal Brief, an Instagram account with 29k followers, to provide accessible and engaging briefings on EU energy and climate topics, as well as career tips for aspiring sustainability professionals. Sevim holds a degree in Energy Engineering from the University of Twente and the University of Oxford. She was born in the Netherlands, grew up in Germany, and is of Turkish descent.

JASON CHANNELL - Jason Channell is the Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Finance at Citi Global Insights, offering thought leadership across Citi's client base. Since joining Citi in 2011, he built and led the globally top-ranked ESG team. With a career spanning over 30 years, Jason has advised CEOs and national policymakers on sustainability and finance, presenting to organizations like the IMF, World Bank, and UN. His publications cover the UN Sustainable Development Goals and technical aspects of sustainability, and he frequently delivers guest lectures at academic institutions. Jason holds a degree in Engineering Science and Management from the University of Durham.

DRISS EL HADANI - He provides expert advice, support research for the activities and programmes implemented by the Office in the fields of space science and education, and manages the Office’s activities related to the United Nations-affiliated Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education. Driss brings to this position more than 30 years of experience in the field of remote sensing and space technology applications and development. Over his career, he has gained an expertise and knowledge of the space sector at national and international level and substantive experience in diplomacy by negotiating with international cooperation agencies and mechanisms, as well as serving as the first Vice-president of the United Nations Committee for the Peaceful uses of Outer Space from June 2000 to June 2004. He served as the Director of the Moroccan Royal Center for Remote Sensing from 1998 to 2023. He holds a master’s degree in physical sciences / Applied Remote sensing from Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris, France; and an Engineering Degree from Mohammadia School of Engineering, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco and a Master degree in Business, Administration and Management from the Higher Institute of Commerce and Business Administration, Morocco as well as a Bachelor ‘s degree in Law.

LAWRENCE M. KRAUSS - Lawrence Krauss is an internationally renowned theoretical physicist, bestselling author, and acclaimed lecturer. He has contributed significantly to both science and public understanding of science through his numerous books, including "The Physics of Star Trek" and "A Universe from Nothing," and his role in proposing that most of the universe's energy resides in empty space, a prediction confirmed and awarded the Nobel Prize in 2011. Krauss has held prestigious academic positions, notably as Ambrose Swasey Professor at Case Western Reserve University and Inaugural Director of the Origins Project at Arizona State University. He is currently President of The Origins Project Foundation and hosts The Origins Podcast, engaging with prominent figures from various fields.

RUDOLF PFEFFER - Rudolf Pfeffer leads the Banking and Finance practice at Wolf Theiss Bratislava, specializing in banking, finance, and capital markets. Renowned for his expertise, Rudolf provides comprehensive counsel on regulatory and transactional matters, including ESG-linked financings and bond issuances. His track record includes successful mandates in leveraged finance, real estate finance, project finance, acquisition finance, and corporate lending. Additionally, he has advised on loan portfolio disposals, aircraft finance, and restructuring, and possesses significant experience in the (re)insurance sector's regulatory and compliance matters.

MICHAL PINTÉR - Michal Pintér works as Director of Governmental and EU Affairs at U.S. Steel Košice since January 2007. In his function, he represents U.S. Steel in the leadership of the Slovak National Union of Employers (RUZ), as Vice President in the American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia, as well as in the European Confederation of Iron and Steel Industries (EUROFER). Mr. Pintér holds a M.A. in International Business from the University of Bratislava, and has previously worked as a senior-level Economic Specialist at the United States Embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia.

ROBERT RONEC - With 11 years of experience leading digital transformations and diverse teams, Robert has developed expertise in people leadership, business consulting, technology delivery, and finance. As the leader of a Complex Project Management practice in IBM Consulting, he has had a significant impact on business outcomes and sustainability goals, contributing to both commercial and pro-bono initiatives like the IBM Sustainability Accelerator. He is dedicated to driving organizational success by aligning teams on sustainable, measurable business objectives and delivering innovative, sustainable solutions.

LUKE THOMPSON - Luke Thompson leads the Regional Environment, Science, Technology, and Health (ESTH) Hub Office at the U.S. Embassy in Budapest, coordinating ESTH initiatives across 24 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. Before this role, he headed the Forests and Genetic Resources Division at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Oceans, Environmental and Scientific Affairs, managing global initiatives on forest and natural resource management. With over a decade of experience in the State Department’s OES bureau, he has expertise in environmental policy, conservation, remote sensing, climate change, and international health. Luke holds dual master’s degrees in International Relations and Environmental Policy from Boston University.