On behalf of SHUKALB and SHUKOS , we are pleased to invite you to join us at our 13th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition, taking place from 11–13 November, 2025, in the coastal city of Durres, Albania, at the Grand Blue Fafa Resort.
The theme of the 2025 Conference, “Sustainable Water Management in a Changing Climate,” shines a spotlight on one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Climate change is already transforming the availability, quality, and distribution of water—disrupting ecosystems and threatening the sustainability of communities across the region.
Sustainable water management is becoming increasingly important as the Balkan countries are growing more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, experiencing more frequent extreme weather events. At the same time, many utilities in the region continue to struggle with aging systems, high water losses, and limited capacity to respond to these challenges, making it more difficult to deliver water supply and wastewater services.
As Balkan countries leap toward EU integration, water utilities encounter a critical test: meeting the EU water and climate change directives. Utilities must understand and adjust to a new set of rules, modernize outdated infrastructure to comply with higher environmental standards, and secure significant investments to support these changes. On the other hand, the shift towards advanced technologies and climate-resilient practices demands new skills, stronger institutions, and greater operational capacities. By facing these challenges head-on, utilities can turn these pressures into progress and ability to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.
The Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition has firmly established itself as a premier knowledge-sharing and networking event within the Western Balkans water sector. Drawing an audience of over 500 participants not only from across the Greater Balkans Region but also from wider Europe and beyond, the Conference provides a dynamic platform for water professionals, policymakers, and industry experts to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange valuable insights, and share their experiences. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and supports the continuous advancement of the water supply and wastewater sectors across the region and internationally.
In parallel, the Organizing Committee has planned a large-scale Equipment, Technology, and Services Exhibition. The exhibition will showcase a diverse array of private sector companies working in the water sector throughout the Balkans Region. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest innovations, technologies, and services designed to support sustainable water management and climate adaptation.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 Joint Conference, where we will come together in our shared commitment to securing a sustainable water future for the Greater Balkans in the face of a changing climate.
The Water Supply and Sewerage Association of Albania (SHUKALB), which was established in 2000, is a professional, not-for-profit Association of water supply and sewerage professionals, who wish to improve the management of the Water Supply and Sewerage Sector in Albania, making it efficient, sustainable and effective in accordance with the current laws and regulations in Albania. The Association is legally registered in the Court of Tirana.
SHUKALB vision is “Acknowledged leader in advancing quality performance and sustainability in the water sector“.
Mission Objectives:
To advocate the collective interests of professionals in the water sector in Albania.
To serve as a leading resource for knowledge, professional development and networking.
To invest time and resources to build awareness and attract future generations to seek a career in the water sector.
To be a positive force for mutual understanding, collaboration and regional partnerships in the Western Balkans.
The Water Supply and Wastewater Works Association of Kosovo (SHUKOS) is registered as a non-incorporated, non-profit Association of its members and founders which are the Regional Water Companies – JSC and Operating Units, in accordance with Law no. 03 / L-134 of the Republic of Kosovo. SHUKOS had a very good growth of activities during its first fifteen years, and today is a very professionally respected institution, both in Kosovo and abroad.
SHUKOS goal is to act as a link between its members to develop, promote and protect the common interests of the water and wastewater sector, towards the creation of a financially sustainable and capable sector to lead forward the general basics in their field of work.
Mission Objectives:
Protecting the interests of the water sector in Kosovo, through professional development and networking to develop and advocate for the members interests.
To be a Leader in service. Leadership to serve as a major source of knowledge;
Invest time and resources to build awareness and attract younger generations to pursue a career in the water sector;
Be a driving force for mutual understanding, towards regional cooperation and partnerships in the Western Balkans and beyond.
Early Bird until:
Abstracts Submission:
Acceptance Notification:
Advanced program:
Registration ends:
Submission of the Presentations:
Submission of the CVs:
Submission of the Full Papers:
30 September 2025
12 September 2025
26 September 2025
24 October 2025
07 November 2025
31 October 2025
27 October 2025
24 November 2025
Both me and DHI colleagues that attended the conference found all the topics of very much interest and very actual. It was a greatly organized event, favorable for connecting high level experts and professionals and we look forward for our next year participation.
