What to Expect at the 14^th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition

The 14^th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition, under the theme “Water and Equal Opportunities,” will take place from November 3–5, 2026, at the Emerald Hotel in Prishtina, Kosova. Bringing together water professionals, policymakers, utility representatives, researchers, and technology providers from across the region and beyond, the event will provide three days of knowledge exchange, professional networking, and discussion on the future of water supply and sewerage services.

As the event approaches, the Organizing and Program Committees are pleased to share some of the key highlights awaiting participants.

High-Level Decision Makers and Distinguished Guests

The Opening Ceremony on November 3, 2026, will bring together high-level representatives of government institutions, diplomatic missions, and international organizations. The preliminary program includes greeting remarks from:

The preliminary program includes greeting remarks from H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); H.E. Enea Karakaçi, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania (TBC); H.E. Artane Rizvanolli, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); H.E. Sofjan Jaupaj, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Albania (TBC); H.E. Fitore Pacolli Dalipi, Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); H.E. Petrit Malaj, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); H.E. Anne-Lise Cattin Hennin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to the Republic of Kosovo; H.E. Rainer Rudolph, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); and Maria Angelica Sotomayor, Water Practice Manager for the Europe and Central Asia Region at the World Bank.

The conference will continue with further greeting remarks on November 4 by Artane Rizvanolli, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Kosovo (TBC), and Klevis Jahaj, Member of Parliament of Albania. On November 5, participants will hear greeting remarks from Fitore Pacolli Dalipi, Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo (TBC).

The Opening Ceremony will also feature the Recognition and Awards Ceremony, including the Board of Directors Award and the Lifetime Service Award, followed by the official opening of the Technical Exhibition and a Cocktail Reception.

Pre-Conference Activities

The afternoon of November 3 will feature three activities offering opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional development.

D-LeaP Benchmarking Program Workshop – Kosovo and Albania HUB (Closed Activity, by Invitation Only)

The workshop will bring together coordinators from water supply and sewerage companies participating in the Utility Benchmarking Program (UBP) – Albanian-speaking Hub for Kosovo and Albania. The focus will be on finalizing comparative performance reports and strengthening participants’ capacities to use the UBP platform, manage and analyze performance indicators in line with international standards, and generate analytical and comparative reports. The exchange of best practices will further support professional networking and regional cooperation.

Young Water Professionals Forum (Open Activity)

The Young Water Professionals Forum will encourage discussions on the professional development and career growth of the next generation of water-sector professionals. It will also provide an opportunity for young professionals and those looking to enter the sector to connect with peers and experienced colleagues from the region and beyond.

Technology Transfer Workshop (Open Activity)

The workshop will bring together companies participating in the Conference Exhibition to present innovative solutions, technologies, and services. It will provide a platform for practical exchange between technology providers and water supply and sewerage companies, encouraging collaboration and partnerships for more efficient and sustainable water management.

Conference Program

The two-day Conference Program, on November 4–5, will combine plenary discussions and parallel technical sessions addressing key policy, management, operational, financial, and technological challenges facing the water sector.

We are pleased to welcome two distinguished keynote speakers:

• November 4: Prof. Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director of the International Water Association (IWA), will deliver the opening keynote address.

• November 5: Vasiliki Beretsou, Scientific Project Officer at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), Italy, will deliver a keynote address on “The European Water Academy.”

The plenary sessions will explore three important themes:

• Water for All: Turning Equal Opportunity into Reliable and Affordable Services
• Addressing Sanitation Gaps: Expanding Services and Ensuring Sustainability
• People Behind Water: Skills for a Future-Ready Sector

The parallel technical sessions will cover a broad range of topics, including governance and policies, digitalization and smart management, regulatory frameworks and performance monitoring, infrastructure and asset management, customer service, wastewater management, water resources management and water supply security, operations and maintenance, and financial management.

Through presentations and discussions led by experts and practitioners from across the region and beyond, the sessions will provide opportunities to exchange experiences, explore practical solutions, and identify approaches that can support more efficient, sustainable, and equitable water services.

Click here to view the full Conference Program: LINK.

Social Event

The Conference will also offer an opportunity for participants to connect in a more informal setting during the Social Event on Wednesday, November 4, starting at 19:30 at Hillstone Restaurant.

The evening will provide a chance to unwind after a full day of sessions, strengthen professional relationships, and enjoy the company of colleagues and friends from across the water sector.

Technical Exhibition

The Technical Exhibition will bring together 24 companies showcasing innovative products, technologies, and services for the water supply and sewerage sector.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore practical solutions, discover new technologies, and meet industry representatives working in areas such as water infrastructure, digitalization, smart management, and operational efficiency. The exhibition will also create opportunities for direct exchange between technology providers and water utilities, supporting partnerships and collaboration across the region.

Learn more about the exhibiting companies here: LINK.

See You in Prishtina!

We look forward to welcoming participants to Prishtina for three days of knowledge exchange, technical insights, and networking at the 14^th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition. Together, we will explore how equal opportunities can translate into reliable, affordable, and sustainable water services for all.