AmCham Slovakia

Festival Specials: Bordering Regions at the Forefront: Slovakia's Role in Ukraine's Reconstruction

Rebuilding Together: Mutual Prosperity through Slovakia-Ukraine Collaboration

Although the war is still ongoing, we believe that one day it will end, and Ukraine will regain its full territorial integrity and sovereignty, as guaranteed by international law. However, due to the consequences of the war, Ukraine will face a challenging period requiring the reconstruction of or the building of new capacities to replace those affected or destroyed by the conflict. No country recovers from war without the help of its allies and neighbors. We can see this assistance and support as a burden, or we can see it as an opportunity. At AmCham, we definitely see it as an opportunity and even a necessary strategy to adopt at the national level, but especially at the regional level, in Eastern Slovakia, which is in the closest proximity to Ukraine.

AmCham has the potential to hold a unique position as a natural partner, neutral stakeholder, and "honest broker" in advocating for this issue. Therefore, we have decided to dedicate a special segment during the Festival of Future to the topic of Ukraine’s reconstruction and to facilitate an open discussion with key stakeholders.

The discussion will focus on the following questions: What role can Slovakia, particularly Eastern Slovakia, play in the context of Ukraine's reconstruction? Who are the relevant stakeholders that should connect and cooperate in this regard? What is the readiness of regional capacities and infrastructure to support this process?

AmCham Slovakia will proudly use its platform and network to promote this topic. Together with our partner, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), we believe that by organizing this event, we can contribute to the creation of a transparent network of potential business partners and engage in discussions with other institutional partners, including the European Commission, AmCham Ukraine, and others.

In partnership with CIPE, we prepared a one-of-a-kind strategic discussions and invite you to join us for this dynamic event. This event will explore the future of Ukraine and highlight the critical role that Slovakia, particularly the region of Eastern Slovakia bordering Ukraine, can play in its reconstruction.

Preliminary program:

15.00 – 15.15 Keynote speeches and opening remarks

15.15– 15.30 Presentation: „Building Bridges with AI: Digital Twins as a Tool   for Reconstructing Ukrainian Resilience and Economy 

15.30 – 16:15 – 1st PANEL:  Financing Ukraine’s Reconstruction: Catalyzing Regional Economic Revival (in english language)

Join Jeff Lightfoot and an expert panel as they delve into the financial dynamics of Ukraine's reconstruction. Discover how international donors, including the EU and the European Investment Bank, are mobilizing resources and fostering cross-border partnerships to rejuvenate Ukraine and neighboring economies. Learn about financial instruments being developed by the Slovak government, the role of private sector involvement, and the strategic coordination needed to unlock regional growth opportunities. How can Slovakia leverage its position to catalyze economic revival through effective collaboration? What are the real needs of Ukrainian businesses, and how do they envision economic cooperation with neighboring countries?  Explore these questions and more in a comprehensive discussion on funding the future.

16.15-16. 30 Presentation „Strategic Insights for Ukraine's Reconstruction: Leveraging Slovak Involvement for Regional Growth“

Dávid BOŘUTA will present the findings from a comprehensive study conducted by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), focusing on Slovakia's strategic involvement in Ukraine's reconstruction. The presentation will address the study's analysis of the challenges identified by key stakeholders, such as bureaucratic and regulatory obstacles, and the potential for Slovak businesses to contribute to rebuilding efforts. It will also highlight opportunities for public-private partnerships, the creation of tailored financial products, and the necessity of aligning Slovak strategies with EU institutional frameworks and Ukraine's specific needs. This session will outline a roadmap for Slovak entities aiming to play a significant role in Ukraine's recovery, with an emphasis on fostering long-term regional stability and economic integration.

16.30 – 17.15 – 2nd  PANEL: Local Expertise in Action: Cross-Border Collaboration for Economic Growth (in Slovak language, with provided interpretation to English)

Moderated by Dávid Bořuta, this panel will bring together local leaders and cross-border experts to explore successful collaboration models between Slovakia and Ukraine. Uncover the critical roles of local governments, businesses, and NGOs in fostering sustainable economic development through innovative partnerships. Discuss how leveraging local expertise and resources can bridge gaps, enhance resilience, and drive growth in both countries. What are the best practices for future cooperation, and how can we scale local solutions for broader impact? Join us to find out how regional collaboration can shape the future.

17.15-17. 30 Presentation 

We will conclude the event with an inspiring storytelling presentation by Vladyslava Balera a young Ukrainian profesional,  living, studying and working in Slovakia, who will share her personal journey that has led her to empowering both Slovak and Ukrainian youth. Her story highlights the importance of helping young people discover new opportunities and emphasizes the crucial role they play in shaping the future. Vladyslava's mission is to inspire the next generation to become the key drivers of development.

more details about the presentation coming soon

Additional Information:

• Registration: Separate registration is required, even as part of the Festival of Future.
• Changes: We reserve the right to adjust the program as needed.

Don't miss this chance to be part of the discussion shaping the future of Ukraine and Slovakia's role in it.

SPEAKERS BIOs (in alphabetical order)

VLADYSLAVA BALERA - Originally from Balakliia in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, has a strong background in youth politics, volunteering, and legal studies. During the war, she relocated to Nitra, Slovakia, where she transitioned from factory work to becoming a youth work coordinator at the Municipal Office of Nitra. Now, she is dedicated to empowering both Slovak and Ukrainian youth, helping them discover new opportunities and emphasizing that the future is in their hands. Her mission is to inspire young people as the key drivers of development.

DÁVID BOŘUTA - Dávid Bořuta is the President of the Future Slovakia Forum, an NGO dedicated to Slovakia's economic development and European integration. He is a crisis manager and advisor in the field of investments and real estate development. He holds a degree in finance and banking from the University of Economics in Bratislava and a degree in healthcare services management from Semmelweis University in Budapest. He is also a graduate of the Political Academy at the Institute of Political and Economic Education. Dávid has made significant contributions to strategic initiatives, including advising Slovak PM Ľudovít Ódor on Ukraine’s recovery mechanisms for Slovak entities.

EDUARD BURÁŠ - Eduard Buraš is the Director of the Association FEMAN, where he leads and manages international projects focused on culture, social policy, and cross-border cooperation, particularly between Slovakia and Ukraine. He has extensive experience as a project manager for initiatives funded by various European and national programs, with a strong emphasis on supporting disadvantaged and marginalized groups. Eduard has also been instrumental in coordinating humanitarian aid for war-affected regions in Ukraine since 2022. Additionally, he serves as an expert in cross-border cooperation with Ukraine, starting in 2024.

ARTEM GERGANOV - Artem is the Global Network Banking (GNB) Head for Citi Ukraine and Deputy CEO, responsible for managing multinational clients in Ukraine. Since joining Citi in 2011 as a Client Manager, he has advanced to his current leadership roles. Before Citi, Artem held positions in the corporate departments of Bank Forum, Erste Bank Ukraine, and First Ukrainian International Bank, focusing on large local corporations. He holds an MD in Banking from East-Ukrainian University and an MBA from Steinbeis University in Germany.

ZUZANA KAPAROVÁ - Zuzana studied law at Charles University in Prague and chemistry at the University of Pardubice. She worked in various positions at the Ministry of the Environment in the Czech Republic and for the European Commission in Brussels. Since 2015, she has been working for the European Investment Bank, where she held various positions, such as ECS EIB/JASPERS Expert in Vienna and Environmental Specialist in Luxembourg. From September 2023, she holds the position of Head of the EIB Group in Slovakia.

JEFF LIGHTFOOT - Jeff Lightfoot is the Program Director for Europe at CIPE, overseeing the organization's Europe-wide office in Bratislava, Slovakia. He is responsible for expanding CIPE's programming within EU member states and strengthening relationships with European institutions. With 17 years of experience in US-European relations, Jeff previously served as vice president at Jones Group International and as deputy director at the Scowcroft Institute for Strategy and Security at the Atlantic Council. He holds a Master's in European and Eurasian Studies from George Washington University and bachelor’s degrees in French, business, and international affairs from Indiana University Bloomington.

MONIKA PAVLÍK - Monika Pavlík is an International Business Manager with a distinguished background in delivering early warning and notification solutions. With over seven years of dedicated service at Telegrafia, Monika has played a pivotal role in expanding the company's presence across diverse regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. Her areas of expertise encompass project management, business relationship management, and B2B marketing strategy. Telegrafia is globally recognized for its high-quality early warning and notification products, which are deployed in 95 countries. The company’s commitment to excellence is evidenced by multiple prestigious Slovak Gold® awards for the Pavian electronic siren, and it is a proud holder of the STN EN ISO 9001:2015 quality management system certification. Over her seven years with Telegrafia, she has successfully managed and executed significant projects across Europe, including the implementation of a national warning system for Estonia and a major project for the largest refinery in Central Europe. For the past four years, Monika has been actively involved in the Ukrainian market, where she has developed significant business relationships and gained valuable insights. Her extensive experience in Ukraine positions her as a knowledgeable contributor to the country’s future reconstruction efforts.

TETYANA PROKOPCHUK - Tetyana Prokopchuk is the Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, where she leads the Chamber's strategic B2G initiatives and advocates for members' interests at the highest levels. With 11 years at AmCham Ukraine, her expertise and strategic vision are widely recognized by both the business community and government stakeholders. Tetyana is the driving force behind the Women's Executives Leadership Development Initiative (WELDI) and actively supports programs that empower women in leadership, including partnerships with the U.S. Department of Commerce and State.

JÁN RIDZOŇ - Ján Ridzoň is the Acting Director General at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Strategic Initiatives of the EU. From 2021 to 2024, he led the Program Slovakia 2021–2027 department, where he successfully negotiated and secured approval from the European Commission for a EUR 15.5 billion investment plan. Prior to this, Ján spent nearly six years at Slovakia's Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels, negotiating key financial frameworks. He also has extensive experience at the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, where he served in various capacities, including Director of the Department of European Affairs.

MARTIN ŠUSTER - Martin Šuster is a member of Slovakia's Council for Budget Responsibility, elected by Parliament in 2022. Previously, he served as the long-time Director of the Research Department at the National Bank of Slovakia and chaired both the Slovak Economic Association and the board of Transparency International Slovakia. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Maryland, USA, with expertise in macroeconomics and labor markets. His work has focused on macroeconomic policy, euro introduction, and research quality assessment.