SHUKALB’s 2024 Year in Review – Message by Elisabeta Poçi, Executive Director

Dear Members, Partners, and Friends,

As 2024 is ending we take a moment to reflect on our progress this year and the impact of our work.

During 2024 SHUKALB celebrated several milestones that demonstrated our commitment to fostering progress and innovation in the water sector. Among the highlights was the record-breaking 12^th Annual Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition, held in Prishtina, Kosova, from November 5 to 7, jointly organized with our partner, SHUKOS. This landmark event set a new benchmark for participation, drawing over 500 water professionals from 21 countries. The conference featured 40 impactful presentations delivered by 85 moderators and speakers, addressing pressing challenges and exploring innovative solutions. Running parallel to the Conference, the Technical Exhibition showcased cutting-edge solutions from 26 local and international companies, featuring everything from advanced engineering services to innovative tools and technologies such as pipes, pumps, meters, and software systems.

In December, we partnered with Veolia to organize a conference titled “Governance of the Water Sector: Successful Capacity Building & Financing Opportunities.” This event united around 100 representatives from government bodies, utility companies, regulatory agencies, donors, and academia to discuss governance improvements and explore collaborative opportunities to accelerate the sector’s transformation.

Regarding our capacity development activities in 2024, we delivered the RCDN Training and Peer Exchange on “Capital Investment Infrastructure Projects in the Water Sector”, the D-LeaP Water Safety Plan and Crisis Management Program and D-LeaP Asset Management Program, which were in total attended by 33 participants from 7 regional water utilities across Albania.  The delivery of these programs would not be possible without the support of the RCDN project and the D-LeaP.

For 2025, SHUKALB is committed to continue to offer capacity development programs that respond to the needs of the water supply and sewerage companies, as well as to the needs of the broader water sector, using our own resources as well as other opportunities as part of regional projects and support from donors.

In partnership with SHUKOS, we continued the delivery of the 10^th round of the Utility Benchmarking Program for Albania and Kosova, in the framework of Danube Learning Partnership (D-LeaP), for 10 water utilities in Albania and Kosovo.

In the framework of the Regional Capacity Development Network (RCDN) Project, during 2024, SHUKALB has worked on reviewing its Statute and its Strategic Business Plan for 2025-2029. These revisions are part of SHUKALB’s efforts to align its strategic direction with the recent reforms in the water sector.

In addition, during 2024, two Inter Institutional Working Groups have been established, 1) Human Resources Management, and 2) Wastewater Management, which aim to strengthen SHUKALB’s advocacy and policy dialogue efforts on these two important topics for the water sector in Albania.

Our outreach efforts included as traditionally the celebration of World Water Day 2024 under the theme “Water for Peace.” SHUKALB supported member utilities with digital awareness campaigns featuring informative videos and posters, as well as campaigns with distributed materials such as leaflets, T-shirts, and tote bags. Despite limited funding, we continued the “Friends of Water” program by producing the 2025 calendar featuring children’s artwork from past exhibitions. This calendar was distributed to utilities, institutions, and partners.

SHUKALB remained active on the regional and international stage, participating in conferences and sharing expertise on awareness and outreach programs, capacity development, and the overall state of the water sector in Albania. These engagements allowed us to contribute to important discussions and represent Albania’s water sector at various levels.

The year 2024 was both challenging and rewarding. We are proud of our achievements and remain committed to building on this foundation in 2025. With renewed energy and focus, SHUKALB will continue to serve as a leader in advancing the quality and sustainability of water services in Albania.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our developments this year, and in particular to our members, Board of Directors, partners and supporters, and the whole SHUKALB Team. Together with you, we look forward to a successful and impactful year ahead.

Wishing you all a joyful season and a Happy, Prosperous, and Healthy New Year, and looking forward to our continued cooperation in 2025!