A Commitment to Dialogue, Trust, and Impact

By Elena Zafirova, Founder & CEO of DIONZ | Advisor | Lawyer | Podcast Host – DIONZ
How was the experience of collaborating with other organisers and speakers in preparation for Building Bridges 2024?
For Building Bridges 2024, I felt incredibly humbled and privileged that a young organisation like DIONZ was selected by the Building Bridges team to present in the main conference room, a session that was live-streamed and allowed for the largest audience. This speaks to the opportunities that Building Bridges creates—not only for the most established organizations at the intersection of finance and sustainability but also for emerging organizations that are actively working to make a difference.
How did it feel to see your event come to life onsite at Building Bridges?
I am deeply grateful for the incredible engagement and positive feedback our session received, especially for our eight DIONZ Members and André Hoffmann, who captivated both the live audience and those watching remotely. It was an unforgettable moment to see their voices and ideas resonate so strongly.
Were there any memorable moments on the day of your event?
The connections formed at Building Bridges have already started to materialise in exciting ways. Follow-up conversations are slowly but surely turning into real-world collaborations, and we are committed to nurturing these relationships.
How have the bridges you built in December evolved, and how do you see them going forward?
At DIONZ, we believe that bridges are not built once—they require ongoing dialogue, trust, and a shared commitment to impact through community and continued learning. Looking ahead, I see these bridges evolving into long-term partnerships that challenge conventional thinking and drive collective action—ensuring that the world continues to prosper in a sustainable and purposeful way.

We Build Bridges Storytelling Series
Building Bridges is more than just an event—it’s a space for meaningful collaboration, fresh perspectives, and lasting connections. Through our storytelling series, we highlight the personal experiences that shape each edition. If you have a story to share about your journey at Building Bridges 2024—whether it’s a key insight, a memorable moment, or the impact of the bridges built—we’d love to hear from you!
Do you have a bridge-buidling story to share? Click here to submit one for review.