On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia, a unique Festival of the Future is being held, which provides insight into how emerging megatrends are shaping our sustainable future. From breakthrough green strategies and the latest sustainable economic models to the transformative power of space technology, our future depends on innovative solutions and new regulations.
At a time when world economies are trying to recover from the consequences of global crises and adapt to rapid technological and environmental changes, it is essential to look for new economic models that support sustainability while ensuring growth and prosperity. Economic stability must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, with finance playing a key role in this process. Financial sustainability means not only optimizing investments in green infrastructure, but also ensuring that our financial systems are resilient to the risks associated with climate change. Investments in green projects must not only be economically beneficial, but also long-term beneficial for society and the planet.
As he says Jason Channell of CITI: “One of the main challenges in the field of sustainable financing is financing the reduction of carbon emissions in sectors demanding decarbonization. The task (and ambition) is huge, trillions of dollars need to be deployed. For some companies, it will not be possible to finance their needs from their own balance sheet alone. However, alternative financing solutions such as project financing, government grants, joint ventures and equity raising could help finance the energy transition in these sectors.”
The topic of energy and climate is another key element of this equation. Balancing energy needs and climate commitments is difficult, but necessary. How can we achieve emission reduction targets when energy consumption is on the rise? The solution is the efficient use of renewable energy sources and innovations that will enable industry and energy to become drivers of positive climate change. In this context, the Green Deal appears not only as an environmental strategy, but also as a key economic stimulus that can link industrial development with sustainability goals and ensure prosperity for future generations.
Vladimír Šucha, head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakiaresponds: “The European Green Deal is more than just a blueprint for a cleaner planet. It is the way to the modern industry of the future, which combines ecological innovation with economic growth. Achieving climate neutrality and a circular economy, however, requires the maximum involvement of industry, with all sectors, including energy-intensive sectors, playing a vital role. The transition to a sustainable economy is key for Europe to become a technological leader with a clean, modern and competitive economy.”
Lawrence Krauss, theoretical physicist and writerwho exceptionally arrived in Bratislava thanks to the Festival of the Future, in his book The Physics of Climate Changeargues that the current approach to energy generation, which is still based on burning fossil fuels, is unsustainable. In this context, it is alarming that “in two hundred years, humans will be able to emit at least twice as much CO2 as has existed in the atmosphere for most of the geological record.”
This clearly shows the need for immediate and fundamental changes in our energy practices. Krauss also emphasizes that: “If we don’t significantly change the way we generate energy over the next 150 years, humanity will emit an additional 1,000 to 4,000 gigatons of carbon into the atmosphere, which is up to seven times more than the total amount of CO2 that existed in the atmosphere before the dawn of modern civilization.”
These warnings urge us to focus not only on technological innovation, but also on fundamental political and economic reforms that will enable the transition to sustainable energy models and ensure that our economies are resilient to climate risks.
Erika Vitálošová, Chair of the AmCham ESG Committee explains why ESG topics are key for members of the US Chamber of Commerce gathered today at the conference. „Achieving the goalĽov in the field of sustainability is largely dependent on businesses that have the potential to implement effective solutions and new economic models to achieve sustainable growth and long-term prosperity, so as to eliminate the depletion of limited resources and minimize negative impacts. The AmCham Slovakia ESG committee is a community of companies perceiving the urgent need for quick action to ensure long-term sustainability. Through this platform, we inspire, support, share and find solutions for positive change.”
The ESG day at the AmCham Slovakia Festival of the Future was supported by Partners of the Future: Citi, Hurricane Event Production & Design, McDonald’s, Philip Morris Slovakia, Swiss Re; Premium Partners: PwC, Sustainova; Partners: IBM, Ness Digital Engineering, Salesforce; and Main Partners: Circular Slovakia, CMS, EY, Glocco, SPP, Wolf Theiss.
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Contact pre average:
Natália Spodniak, American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia, natalia.spodniak@amcham.sk, +421 902 912 000
O American commercial chambers v SR
The American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia is an independent non-profit organization financed exclusively by the contributions of its members. It has been operating in Slovakia for 30 years with the aim of bringing positive change within the business environment in the Slovak Republic. The key pillars of the chamber’s activities include law enforcement, healthcare, education and regional development. The American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia currently unites approximately 300 Slovak and foreign companies. Among them are the largest employers in the country, but also small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the key pillar of the economy of every country, as well as non-profit organizations and educational institutions. You can get more information about AmCham at and on social networks: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebookor YouTube.
Source: www.nextech.sk
