{"id":10006,"date":"2026-10-28T13:15:32","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T12:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shukalb.al\/?p=10006"},"modified":"2026-10-28T13:39:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T12:39:14","slug":"what-to-expect-at-the-14th-balkans-joint-conference-and-exhibition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shukalb.al\/?p=10006&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect at the 14th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition"},"content":{"rendered":"

What to Expect at the 14th<\/sup> Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition<\/strong><\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The 14th<\/sup> Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition<\/a>, under the theme \u201cWater and Equal Opportunities,\u201d<\/strong> will take place from November 3\u20135, 2026<\/strong>, at the Emerald Hotel in Prishtina, Kosova<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

As the event approaches, the Organizing and Program Committees are pleased to share some of the key highlights awaiting participants.<\/p>\n

High-Level Decision Makers and Distinguished Guests<\/strong><\/p>\n

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:<\/p>\n

The preliminary program includes greeting remarks from H.E. Albin Kurti<\/strong>, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); H.E. Enea Karaka\u00e7i<\/strong>, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania (TBC); H.E. Artane Rizvanolli<\/strong>, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); H.E. Sofjan Jaupaj<\/strong>, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Albania (TBC); H.E. Fitore Pacolli Dalipi<\/strong>, Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); H.E. Petrit Malaj<\/strong>, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); H.E. Anne-Lise Cattin Hennin<\/strong>, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Switzerland to the Republic of Kosovo; H.E. Rainer Rudolph<\/strong>, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to the Republic of Kosovo (TBC); and Maria Angelica Sotomayor<\/strong>, Water Practice Manager for the Europe and Central Asia Region at the World Bank.<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

Pre-Conference Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n

The afternoon of November 3 will feature three activities offering opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional development.<\/p>\n

D-LeaP Benchmarking Program Workshop \u2013 Kosovo and Albania HUB (Closed Activity, by Invitation Only)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The workshop will bring together coordinators from water supply and sewerage companies participating in the Utility Benchmarking Program (UBP) \u2013 Albanian-speaking Hub for Kosovo and Albania. The focus will be on finalizing comparative performance reports and strengthening participants\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Young Water Professionals Forum (Open Activity)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Technology Transfer Workshop (Open Activity)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Conference Program<\/strong><\/p>\n

The two-day Conference Program, on November 4\u20135, will combine plenary discussions and parallel technical sessions addressing key policy, management, operational, financial, and technological challenges facing the water sector.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>We are pleased to welcome two distinguished keynote speakers:<\/p>\n