ESG in Transition: Staying Ahead in a Changing World

Tuesday, Sep 23, 2025 From 08:30 to 16:00

Jurkovičova Tepláreň, Bottova 1, Bratislava

Conference

SPONSORED BY:

In a year marked by shifting regulations, evolving global priorities, and rising pressure for impact, the ESG conversation is more relevant and complex than ever. The 2025 edition of the AmCham ESG Conference brings together business leaders, policymakers, innovators, and experts to explore how companies can move from reactive compliance to proactive leadership. From regulatory clarity to clean energy, corporate governance, and breakthrough green technologies, this year’s program is designed to provide practical insight, strategic foresight, and inspiration for action. Whether you're just beginning your ESG journey or redefining your sector’s standards, this is the space to connect, learn, and lead responsibly.

AGENDA

08:30 | Arrival & Networking Coffee

09:00 | Welcome & Opening Remarks

09:10 | Opening Keynote: ESG at a Crossroads: Leadership, People, and Global Business Transformation

Where Europe Stands on ESG in 2025 — And What It Means for Slovak Business

09:30 | Panel 1: ESG & Regulation – What You Need to Know Now

Is ESG Dead?

As global and EU regulatory frameworks evolve, businesses face both uncertainty and opportunity. This panel will decode the latest legislative updates - including CSRD, ESRS, and the Omnibus Directive - and explore their practical implications for Slovak and international companies.

10:05 | Fire-side Chat: Financing the ESG Transition

10:15 | Panel 2: From Strategy to Action – ESG in Business Practice

ESG is no longer just a reporting issue - it’s shaping corporate strategy, risk management, and even product design. In this panel, companies will share real-life insights on how ESG principles are embedded across departments and decision-making levels.

11:00 | Coffee Break & Networking

11:30 | Panel 3: Energy – Balancing Cost, Security and Sustainability

With rising prices, climate goals, and growing pressure for energy independence, companies must rethink their energy strategies. This panel brings together experts, regulators, and major users to explore how to ensure secure, affordable, and sustainable energy for the future.

12:15 | Panel 4: Future-Proofing Through Innovation and Green Tech

From buildings and logistics to energy and mobility, green technologies are helping reshape business models and reduce environmental footprints. This forward-looking session will highlight practical innovations that are scalable, impactful, and cross-sector.

13:00 | Lunch & Networking

14:00 – 16:00 | Side Topical Events – Practical Workshops (in parallel)

Hands-on sessions designed to translate ESG goals into real-world implementation.

Focus Topical Event n.1
Social in ESG: An Experience That Changes Perspectives - SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED - REGISTER HERE

An interactive game that uncovers hidden biases through stories and scenarios in the workplace, promoting open discussions about the social aspects of ESG.

Focus Topical Event n.2
Transform your Business: Sustainability Business Simulation - SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED - REGISTER HERE

A dynamic, hands-on simulation where participants tackle real-world challenges across planet, people, and profit. Experience how to move beyond regulatory checklists and integrate ESG into core business strategy, operations, and governance through practical tools and actionable examples.

16:00 | Concluding Remarks

The ESG Conference will be moderated by:

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Speakers Bios:

Ivan Balogh, Head of Business Transformation & Treasury, HB Reavis - Ivan Balogh is Head of Business Transformation & Treasury at HB Reavis, where he leads multiple initiatives and activities including corporate ESG strategy setting, ESG reporting, green financing and group carbon footprint management. In his spare time, Ivan also teaches strategy and sustainability focused courses at the Prague University of Economics and Business.

Roberto Belan, Strategic Business Partner at BE-DNA CZ & SK - Strategic Business Partner at BE-DNA, I connect business ambition with Employee Experience (EX)–led HR that delivers measurable outcomes. With 20+ years across EU markets as a strategic sales partner for purpose-led brands, I design tailored EX strategies aligned to company goals and match clients with innovative HR tools that reflect their values—from the very first day of employment to the alumni relationship. As a change facilitator, I guide HR transformations, employer branding, and process optimization, bringing a commercial lens that links people solutions to performance. My passion is to connect a company’s authentic DNA with strategic HR initiatives to support meaningful and sustainable success — for both the business and its people.

Ján Dusík, Deputy Director-General, European Commission, DG CLIMA - Mr. Jan Dusík has spent his entire career in the environmental and climate policy and law. He worked at the Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic for 12 years, including as the Minister of Environment in 2009-2010. In 2011, Mr Dusík became the Deputy Regional Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and was subsequently appointed as UNEP’s Regional Director for Europe, followed by serving as UNEP’s Principal Adviser on Strategic Engagement for the Arctic and Antarctic. In 2020, he joined the WWF Global Arctic Programme, leading the work on Arctic Sustainable Development and Governance. In 2022-2024, he held the position of the Czech Government Envoy for International Climate Negotiations. In September 2024, he was appointed Deputy Director-General in DG Climate Action of the European Commission. Mr Dusík holds a doctorate in law from Charles University in Prague and a Master of Science degree from the University of Oxford (Environmental Change Institute).

Vera Economou, CEE Regional Lead for the Sustainable Solutions Group, ING - Vera Economou serves as the CEE Regional Lead for the Sustainable Solutions Group within Wholesale Banking at ING. In this role, she drives the execution of ING’s EMEA sustainable finance strategy across Central and Eastern Europe, spearheads sustainable business initiatives, and leads the origination and structuring of sustainable finance solutions that support clients in achieving their decarbonization goals. She is an active member of the Sustainability Advisory Board of the Qorus Sustainability & Regulation Committee and regularly shares her expertise as a guest lecturer in Global Sustainability Management and CEMS Programs at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Ms. Economou has over 15 years of experience in the Austrian banking sector—including six years dedicated to sustainable finance—and four years as a management consultant in Hong Kong. She holds an MBA in International Finance from the WU Executive Academy and is a certified expert in multiple sustainability disciplines, including CESGA-certified ESG Analyst, ICMA-certified Sustainable Bond Expert, Sustainable Energy Consultant and Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies Expert (University of Cambridge Judge Business School)

Robert Garcia, Vice President & Chief of Staff, ICF Coaching in Organizations - Robert Garcia, Vice President & Chief Staff Officer of ICF Coaching in Organizations is responsible for leading the operations that enable global organizations to build coaching capabilities and develop a strong coaching culture. A pivotal leader in coaching culture development, Robert is renowned for his strategic approach to expanding organizational coaching capabilities. His global expertise is reflected in strong partnerships across 50+ countries. An executive coach, a seasoned professor, and an eloquent keynote speaker, Robert's sessions are a confluence of insight and inspiration. He has held senior level positions at Randstad, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Baptist Health, Florida International University (FIU), LHH, ADP, and United Healthcare. Robert has an MBA from FIU and a Bachelor of Science in Management from NSU. He has 5 HR Certifications including the Senior and Global HR Professional. He has the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from ICF and is a Certified Association Executive. He is fluent in English and Spanish is a has presented in 6 continents.

Beata Hlavčáková, Senior Manager and Leader of the Sustainability Advisory Team, Forvis Mazars - Beata Hlavčáková is a Senior Manager and leader of the Sustainability advisory team at Forvis Mazars in Slovakia. She has specialized in sustainability since 2002 and is an expert in ESG strategy development with international experience. Beata has designed, implemented, and monitored CSR programs with various focuses, including setting up reporting frameworks, promoting ethics, conducting stakeholder dialogues, measuring impact, creating materiality matrices, and improving ESG ratings. She also expanded her expertise as a director of a government ministry department, where she implemented an international good governance framework for risk management and transparency. Beata considers ESG communication and collaboration - especially involving responsible supply chains - to be essential. She has served as a trainer for companies, NGOs, and the public sector, and has published and lectured on the topic of sustainability.

Kateřina Chajdiaková, Executive Director, Slovak Climate Initiative - Kateřina Chajdiaková is the Director of the Slovak Climate Initiative. She focuses on energy transition and climate policy, especially in the area of energy efficiency and building renovation. Experienced in environmental and energy legislation and cooperation with several non-governmental organizations. She has been engaged in organizational development and advocacy, and has collaborated on various national and international projects. She studied biochemistry at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava.

Zuzana Kaparová, EIB Group Office in Slovakia - Zuzana Kaparová is the Head of the EIB Group in Slovakia since 2023. With more than 17 years of experience, Zuzana worked in various positions at the Ministry of the Environment in the Czech Republic, for the European Commission in Brussels, or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C. Since 2015, she has been working for the European Investment Bank, where she held various positions, such as Environmental Specialist in Luxembourg. She holds a Master’s in law from Charles University in Prague and Chemistry from University of Pardubice.

Peter Kubovič, Chairman of the Public Procurement Office - He was elected to the position in November 2022. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of Comenius University in Bratislava and earned his doctorate at the Faculty of Law of Trnava University. Between 2005–2011 and 2013–2018, he worked at the Public Procurement Office, holding positions from clerk to Director of the Legislative and Legal Department. In 2012–2013, he served as Director of the Public Procurement Department at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, and from 2018 to 2020 he headed the Public Procurement Department at the Trnava City Hall. From August 2020, he worked as a public procurement specialist and methodologist at the Slovak Electricity Transmission System, Inc. He was also active in the field as a lecturer and trainer. He was a member of working groups focused on the transposition of European Union legislation, the application of public procurement rules, and served as both member and chairman of the committee for decision-making in objection proceedings.

Martin Kunc, Leader, trainer, and consultant of DEVELOR Slovakia and DEVELOR Czech - Martin is an expert in strategic management, agile transformation, operating model, and customer experience. Martin worked for 5 years in Dubai, leading CX transformation projects for Emirates Telecom. Before DEVELOR, Martin worked in marketing and sales for Procter & Gamble in Budapest.

Tamara Lagurashvili, Director, Central and Eastern Europe, Clean Air Task Force - Tamara leads Central and Eastern Europe work at Clean Air Task Force - a global climate and energy organization that works to catalyse development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. In her role she works with governments, industry and civil society representatives in the region to support developing durable and evidence-based policies.

Thomas Madreiter, Director of Planning, City of Vienna - Since January 2013, Thomas Madreiter is Director of Planning of the City of Vienna. After holding various positions at the Vienna University of Technology and in the City of Vienna, he was previously Head of the Department of Urban Development and Planning at the Vienna City Administration from 2005 to January 2013. In 2011, he headed the establishment of a new department for energy planning. He has coordinated Smart City Wien since 2010. He has been a corresponding member of the German Academy for Urban and Regional Planning (DASL) since mid-2019.

Mária Makrovská, Director of the Department for Accounting Legislation and Methodology, Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic - Mária Makrovská has been working at the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic since 2019. Prior to that, she spent more than 10 years at an auditing firm, focusing on statutory audits of business entities. Since April 2022, she has been the Director of the Department for Accounting Legislation and Methodology, which is responsible for the Accounting Act and the Act on Statutory Audit. Under her leadership, a major amendment of both laws was carried out to transpose the CSRD directive concerning sustainability reporting.

Miroslava Remenárová, Slovak Telekom, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability - At Slovak Telekom, she is responsible for public affairs, regulatory affairs, external communications, and ESG; the company's ESG strategy is strongly focused on sustainability, with key initiatives driven by the Telekom Endowment Fund. These efforts are aimed at building a digital society, promoting digital education and inclusion, while also supporting environmental responsibility and community engagement. With experience from renowned multinational companies, she has a track record in shaping brand reputation and creating a favorable environment for business growth. She also serves as a board member of the Slovak Association of Mobile Operators and is the President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia.

Anna Slavkovská, Energy Law Expert, GIE Board member, Nafta - Anna Slavkovská is a senior expert on regulatory issues focused on EU and Slovak national regulation. Since 2009 she is in a role of leading regulatory lawyer at NAFTA a.s. – a storage system operator active in Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and Czech Republic . In December 2022 she was appointed as a managing director of NAFTA Speicher Inzenham GmbH – a storage system operator in Germany. Besides being focused on regulatory issues and providing support in this respect for storages within NAFTA group, she also closely cooperates with NAFTA´s commercial department giving her an insight into practical business needs of gas storages. Moreover, she is also deeply involved in NAFTA’s decarbonization projects in various fields e.g. renewable electricity production, hydrogen storage and biomethane. Anna is also a member of IGU (International Gas Union) Storage Committee focusing on the area of storage regulations and an active representative in GIE within GSE column from 2009. Starting 2023 she is also a member of the GSE Executive Committee and a member of the GIE Board.

Lívia Vašáková, Director for Corporate Development and Public Affairs, ZSE Group - She is the former Director General of the Recovery Plan Section at the Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic, where she was responsible for the preparation of Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. Under her leadership, an effective implementation system was introduced, securing more than one third of the allocated funding and positioning Slovakia among the fastest-performing countries in the EU. From 15 May 2023, she held the position of Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic for the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the use of EU funds in the government of Ľudovít Ódor. In this role, she streamlined the use of EU funds, introduced innovative mechanisms such as the EU government sessions, and proposed improvements to the overall system of ESIF implementation. Previously, she led the Economic Analysis Section at the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia and worked at the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission in Brussels. Since 2024, she has been a member of the Presidium of the National Union of Employers (RÚZ).

Martin Venhart, President, Slovak Academy of Sciences - Mgr. Martin Venhart, DrSc. is a Slovak nuclear physicist and since June 2025 the President of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS). A graduate of Comenius University in Bratislava, he completed a PhD in experimental nuclear physics and worked as a postdoc at KU Leuven. At the SAS Institute of Physics, where he later led the Department of Nuclear Physics, he initiated Slovakia’s first experiment at CERN’s ISOLDE facility and built the TATRA spectrometer. His research focuses on the shape and structure of atomic nuclei, and in 2024 he received the ESET Science Award. Venhart has been active in SAS leadership since 2017 and is a strong advocate of strengthening the role of science and research in Slovak society.

Zuzana Zamborská, Co-owner of BE-DNA and CEO of the spin-off BE-EX Platform - Co-owner of BE-DNA and CEO of the spin-off BE-EX Platform, I help organizations build end-to-end Employee Experience (EX) strategies that connect culture, inclusion, leadership, and the full employee journey. Drawing on 10+ years supporting expansions across 10+ international markets, I’ve seen how DEI fuels innovation and healthy performance. Through BE-EX, we combine strategic EX mapping, gamified learning, and EU-accredited HR programs to turn EX and DEI into measurable impact. My passion lies in bridging business strategy with HR transformation to drive sustainable success for both companies and their people.