Highlights to Look Forward to at the 12th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition

The 12^th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition, themed “Neighborly Cooperation: Promoting Peace through Transboundary Water Management”, will take place from November 5 to 7, 2024, at the Emerald Hotel in Prishtina, Kosova. With the event just hours away, we can’t wait to see you there!

The Organizing and Program Committees are excited to share some highlights of the event.

High-Level Decision Makers and Distinguished Guests

The Conference Opening Ceremony on November 5, 2024, will be graced by high-level decision-makers and distinguished guests. We are expecting  H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, to deliver greeting remarks. Additionally, Ambassadors and representatives from the Swiss Embassy, German Embassy, The Netherland Embassy, and Albanian Embassy in Kosovo will also deliver remarks.

Pre-Conference Events

Launch Event of the Water Operators Partnerships in South-Eastern Europe (WOP SEE) (Closed Activity – By Invitation Only)

The workshop, organized jointly by IAWD and GWOPA, will take place on November 4-5 at the Emerald Hotel.

The objective of the event is to identify a list of potential Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs) and develop tentative action plans to showcase the interest of utilities in the region, particularly in relation to the donor and IFI community. The event will gather all members of GWOPA, who are interested in participating as either mentor or mentee utilities under the WOP SEE initiative. Potential WOPs will be identified by pinpointing overlapping challenges and specific areas that can be effectively addressed through these partnerships.

Stakeholders Coordination Meeting: “Capacity Development Products, Best Practices and the Way Forward on Wastewater Management” (Closed Activity – By Invitation Only)

The meeting is jointly organized by SHUKOS and SHUKALB and aims to foster a coordinated approach to wastewater capacity development among national and regional stakeholders. It seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing, discuss innovative mechanisms, and promote best practices. The meeting is held in cooperation with and supported by the “Regional Capacity Development Network for Water and Sanitation Services (RCDN+)” project, with a specific focus on introducing participants to the wastewater capacity development initiative. The event will encourage discussions and idea exchanges on current challenges and opportunities in wastewater management.

Mastering Utility Benchmarking HUB for Kosovo and Albania: Using UBP Platform for Optimal Performance (Closed Activity – By Invitation Only)

The workshop will bring together the Water Supply and Sewerage companies participating in the Benchmarking Program (UBP) Hub for Kosovo and Albania to enhance the skills of the Albanian-speaking HUB coordinators. The primary goal is to review and analyze the results of the current UBP cycle, comparing them to international standards to improve performance and ensure sector sustainability. Additionally, the sharing of best practices will contribute to strengthening networking and collaboration among water sector professionals.

Young Water Professionals Forum (Open Activity)

The Young Water Professionals Forum is designed to encourage discussions on the development and professional growth of the new generation working in the sector, as well as those looking to build their careers in water supply and sewerage services. Additionally, it aims to enhance networking opportunities with professionals from the region and beyond.

Dutch Innovations in Wastewater Management and Flood Protection for Kosovo (Closed Activity – By Invitation Only)

At this special side event Dutch companies will share their expertise in wastewater management and flood protection with stakeholders from Kosovo and Albania. This interactive session will include brief presentations and discussions on innovative technologies and sustainable practices, featuring successful case studies from the Netherlands. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions aimed at fostering partnerships and addressing these challenges, empowering local stakeholders to implement advanced solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Conference Program

The Conference Program will feature a blend of plenary and technical parallel sessions, covering a broad range of topics from policy to technical and management issues within the water sector.

The conference will feature two keynote speakers:

• First Day: Armin Bigham Ghazani, Associate Environmental Affairs Officer at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, will deliver a keynote speech on “Harnessing Multilateral Environmental Agreements for Sustainable Development: The 1992 Water Convention and its Protocol on Water and Health.”

• Second Day: Harsha Ratnaweera, Professor in Water and Wastewater Technology, at the Norwegian University of Life Science, Norway will deliver a keynote speech on “Water Sector Digitalization: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities”

The Conference program can be found in this LINK.

Social Event

We are excited to invite all conference participants to a memorable Social Event on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, from 19:30 to 23:00 at the stylish Che Bar Marigona Residence. This evening promises to be a delightful experience, featuring an array of delicious food and drinks to enjoy.

The atmosphere will be set with great music to keep energy high and create the perfect backdrop for fun and informal networking. We’ve also planned some exciting surprises and entertainment that will make the night even more unforgettable.

This is a fantastic opportunity for participants to unwind, socialize, and make new connections while enjoying the lively ambiance. To make things easier, transportation by bus has been arranged from the Emerald Hotel, with departures starting at 19:00.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Technical Exhibit

Participants will also have the exciting opportunity to explore the Technical Exhibition, where 25 leading private companies will be showcasing their latest innovations. From cutting-edge pipes, pumps, and meters to advanced software and specialized engineering and management services, there’s something for everyone.

To learn more about the exhibiting companies, visit this link.

SHUKALB and SHUKOS Booth

As in previous years, SHUKALB and SHUKOS have prepared a dedicated exhibit booth, offering a wealth of information about both Associations. Conference participants will have the opportunity to explore everything from membership benefits to detailed materials on the various initiatives and activities led by the Associations. A special focus will be placed on training and capacity development opportunities, reflecting our commitment to fostering professional growth in the water sector.

If you haven’t registered yet, don’t worry—you can still register on-site and join us for this important event.

We invite you to join us at the Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition, a great opportunity to celebrate the water sector. Expect a rewarding experience with plenty of networking, learning, and engagement with industry leaders.

We look forward to seeing you there!