Discovering Best Practices: SHUKALB’s Swiss Study Tour Unveiled

From April 16^th to 18^th, SHUKALB embarked on an enlightening study tour to Switzerland, hosted by the Association of Swiss Wastewater and Water Protection Experts (VSA) in Glattburg. The study tour was organized in framework of the Regional Capacity Development Network for Water and Sanitation Services (RCDN) project.

The aim of the study tour was to enhance SHUKALB’s organizational management functions through insightful exchanges with VSA on training units, strategic processes, competence centers, and stakeholder dialogues.

Represented by Elisabeta Poci (Executive Director), Olta Alla (Manager of Programs and Training Coordinator), Alban Kushi (Manager of Member Services and Administration), and Evis Gjebrea (Deputy General Director of Tirana Water Supply and Sewerage Company and SHUKALB Board Representative), the SHUKALB team delved into a rich spectrum of topics over two insightful days.

From strategic processes, competence centers and training unit to Financing, Communication and Lobbying and engagement of Young Water Professionals, the tour was a deep dive into Swiss water sector best practices. Notably, a pivotal highlight was the meeting with SECO’s Economic Cooperation and Development Infrastructure Financing team in Bern, where SHUKALB efforts towards capacity enhancement and sustainability in Albania’s water sector took center stage.

Moreover, the tour provided firsthand experiences at the Neugut Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Regulatory Authority for Water and Waste in Bern, offering invaluable insights that will shape SHUKALB’s future endeavors.