AmCham Slovakia

The ESG Committee of AmCham Slovakia is a dynamic group dedicated to advancing sustainable business practices in Slovakia through various high-impact events, including large conferences, thematic workshops, and strategic meetings with government and industry experts. Committee’s recent events and initiatives have focused on shaping responsible, sustainable, and resilient business practices:

Key Conferences

April 2024 ESG Conference - Beyond Green: Navigating the Future of Responsible Business Practices

The April 2024 conference, titled Beyond Green, was a pivotal event that explored the practical integration of ESG principles across different business functions. With over 150 participants, this conference featured diverse topics ranging from Diversity and Inclusion in the Supply Chain to Green Finance and Sustainability Storytelling. Highlights included:

• Panel Discussions: Leaders from various sectors, such as Astrid Mozes from Danfoss and Pavel Subrt from the European LGBTIQ Chamber of Commerce, discussed diversity and inclusion, while experts like Liz Curmi and Rudolf Pfeffer provided insights on sustainable finance strategies.
• Workshops and Breakout Sessions: Attendees engaged in workshops on Power Purchase Agreement Contracts, Real Estate Sustainability, ESG Communication, Diversity and Inclusion in the Supply Chain, and ESG Reporting, led by field experts.
• Keynote and Special Sessions: European Parliament Vice-President Martin Hojsik shared insights on European sustainability policies, and Gaia Arzilli of AWorld inspired with a perspective on the human role in environmental care.

September 2024 ESG Conference - Advancing Sustainability through Policy, Finance, and Technology

As a core segment of AmCham Slovakia’s Festival of Future, the 2024 ESG conference addressed critical challenges at the intersection of policy, technology, and finance in promoting sustainability. Key themes included:

• Sustainable Finance and Policy Alignment: Reiner Martin, among other notable speakers, discussed the need to align with the EU Green Deal, emphasizing how economic growth can coexist with environmental stewardship. The session on green bonds and responsible investing highlighted how financial instruments can foster sustainable transformation.
• Climate Action and Technological Solutions: A powerful presentation by scientist Lawrence Krauss underscored the urgency of the climate crisis, while other discussions explored the role of AI and space technology in sustainable innovation.
• Inspiration Through Media: The screening of Beyond Zero, a documentary illustrating intentional environmental recovery efforts, added a creative touch that reinforced the conference's themes of responsibility and collaborative problem-solving.

Government and Industry Meetings

Beyond conferences, the ESG Committee hosts ongoing private meetings between committee members and Slovak government officials, as well as industry experts, to foster dialogue on ESG-related policies and solutions. These gatherings serve as platforms for discussing regulatory frameworks, sharing best practices, and advancing policies that support sustainable business growth in Slovakia. Topics range from sustainable finance regulations to renewable energy adoption and corporate transparency standards, helping members stay informed and advocate effectively within their industries.

AmCham Slovakia’s ESG Committee continues to be a proactive force, combining thought leadership events with strategic advocacy to support a sustainable future for Slovak businesses and communities.