{"id":8597,"date":"2024-11-02T09:13:56","date_gmt":"2024-11-02T08:13:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shukalb.al\/?p=8597"},"modified":"2024-11-02T17:17:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-02T16:17:50","slug":"highlights-to-look-forward-to-at-the-12th-balkans-joint-conference-and-exhibition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shukalb.al\/?p=8597&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Highlights to Look Forward to at the 12th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Highlights to Look Forward to at the 12th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition <\/strong><\/h1>\n

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The 12th<\/sup> Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition<\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>themed “Neighborly Cooperation: Promoting Peace through Transboundary Water Management”<\/strong>, will take place from November 5 to 7, 2024<\/strong>,<\/strong> at the Emerald Hotel<\/strong><\/a> in Prishtina, Kosova<\/strong>.<\/strong> With the event just hours away, we can\u2019t wait to see you there!<\/p>\n

The Organizing and Program Committees are excited to share some highlights of the event.<\/p>\n

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

The Conference Opening Ceremony<\/strong> on November 5, 2024,<\/strong> will be graced by high-level decision-makers and distinguished guests. We are expecting \u00a0H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo,<\/strong> to deliver greeting remarks. Additionally, Ambassadors and representatives from the Swiss Embassy, German Embassy,<\/strong> The Netherland Embassy<\/strong>, and Albanian Embassy<\/strong> in Kosovo will also deliver remarks.<\/p>\n

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

Launch Event of the Water Operators Partnerships in South-Eastern Europe (WOP SEE) (Closed Activity \u2013 By Invitation Only)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The workshop, organized jointly by IAWD<\/strong> and GWOPA<\/strong>, will take place on November 4-5<\/strong> at the Emerald Hotel.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Stakeholders Coordination Meeting: \u201cCapacity Development Products, Best Practices and the Way Forward on Wastewater Management\u201d <\/strong>(Closed Activity \u2013 By Invitation Only)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Mastering Utility Benchmarking HUB for Kosovo and Albania: Using UBP Platform for Optimal Performance (Closed Activity \u2013 By Invitation Only)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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

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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.<\/p>\n

Dutch Innovations in Wastewater Management and Flood Protection for Kosovo (Closed Activity \u2013 By Invitation Only)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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

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

The conference will feature two keynote speakers:<\/p>\n