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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

INTRODUCTION

SHUKOS and SHUKALB are pleased to invite you to join and participate in the Program of the 12th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition which will be held on 5 – 7 November, 2024, in Prishtina, Kosova, at Emerald Hotel.

The theme of the Conference “Neighborly Cooperation: Promoting Peace through Transboundary Water Management”, is inspired by World Water Day 2024, and highlights the pivotal role water plays in fostering peace and stability. It emphasizes the intricate connection between water, peace, and sustainable development, stressing the necessity for collective efforts to tackle water challenges and cultivate a more peaceful and resilient world.

Transboundary water cooperation holds particular importance in the Western Balkans, considering the historical tensions and conflicts. The topic is especially significant for countries in this area, where competition over shared water resources has sometimes intensified these tensions.  By focusing on collaborative water management, our countries can build trust, enhance regional cooperation, and establish frameworks for sustainable development that benefit all parties involved.

The Conference Program will facilitate a broad and multi-dimensional discussion, encompassing topics ranging from policy and technical aspects to management issues within the water sector. It will serve as a platform for participants to share their knowledge and experiences in addressing water sector challenges. Additionally, the conference will create valuable networking opportunities for professionals in the Balkan region’s water sector.

The Balkans Joint Conferences have consistently delivered a high-quality program, as evidenced by the positive feedback from participants over the years. The conferences feature diverse plenary discussions and technical papers presented by esteemed professionals from both countries and the broader region. We encourage you to review the key themes and subject areas before submitting an abstract for presentation.

SHUKALB and SHUKOS look forward to welcoming you to the Joint Conference and fostering our shared commitment to enhancing the water environment across the Balkan region.

TECHNICAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE

To find more information about The Technical Program Committee, please view “PROGRAM COMMITTEE”, page linked here.

MAIN THEMES OF THE CONFERENCE

Prior to the submission of the Full Paper and PowerPoint presentation, the authors have to submit an abstract of their paper covering one of the following topics. The submitted abstracts will be further evaluated by the Technical Program Committee of the Conference. The authors of the selected abstracts will be invited to submit the Full Paper and Power Point Presentation. You are invited to submit an abstract on a wide range of water-related topics, including but not limited to:

GOVERNANCE AND POLICY FOR WATER UTILITIES

  • Development of Governance Policies and Institutional Relationships.
  • Selection, Establishment and Functioning of Utility Governing Bodies.
  • Organizational Management and Structure.
  • Regionalization of Water Supply and Sewerage Services and Implementation of Service Agreements.
  • Corporate Governance.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

  • Licensing of Water Supply and Sewerage Service Providers.
  • Analysis of Performance of Water Supply and Sewerage Utilities.
  • Tariff Review and Approval Process.
  • Development and Application of Water Supply and Sewerage Services Standards.
  • Public – Private Partnerships.
  • Relationship between the Water Utilities and Local Government.
  • Management of Rural Water Supply and Sewerage Systems.
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Related Measures.

MANAGEMENT OF WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE
INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Capital Investment Absorption Capacities in Developing Countries.
  • Current Methods of Assessment and Prioritization of Investment Needs.
  • Development of Dynamic Master Plans.
  • Monitoring of Investments and their Sustainability.

WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

  • Climate Change.
  • Balancing Water Demand Management and Conservation with New Source Development.
  • Water Supply Source Monitoring and Protection of Trans-boundary Waters.
  • Integrated Water Resources Management.
  • Drought and Flood Management.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF WATER UTILITIES

  • Financing Sources and Subsidy Policies.
  • Financial Risk Management.
  • Development, Implementation and Monitoring of 5-year Business Plans.
  • Financial Reporting to Support Performance Improvement.
  • Internal Auditing Instruments.
  • Debt Management.

TECHNICAL OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE UTILITIES

  • Water Demand Analysis.
  • Water Consumption Measuring Practices.
  • Water Loss Reduction– Best Practices.
  • Service Zone Mapping (GIS).
  • Application of Hydraulic Modelling – Practices.
  • Increasing Use of SCADA systems in the
    Operation of Water Utilities.
  • Water Safety and Crisis Management.
  • Benchmarking.
  • Energy Efficiency in Water Supply and
    Wastewater System and Facilities.
  • Integrated Asset Management.
  • Occupational Health and Safety.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND SLUDGE
MANAGEMENT

  • Wastewater Management in the Context of
    Circular Economy.
  • Wastewater Policy and Governance.
  • Construction and Operation of Waste Water Treatment Plants.
  • Constructed Wetland Treatment Systems and Challenges.
  • Selecting Treatment Technologies for Small and Rural Systems.
  • Sludge Treatment and Reuse.
  • Use of Sludge for Energy Production.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Commercial Efficiency.
  • Organization and Operation of a Customer Service Department.
  • Customer Database Management.
  • Customer Service Contract.
  • Public Relations and Communications Management.
  • Management of Customer Complaints and the Use of GIS.
  • Implementing Service Disconnection as Debt Collection Policy.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

  • Human Resources Management and Employment Policies.
  • Training Needs Assessments and Capacity Building.
  • Training and Test-based Certification.
  • Annual Staff Performance Review/Assessment.

IMPORTANT DATES 

Abstracts Submission:
Acceptance Notification:
Submission of the CVs:
Advanced program: 
Submission of the Presentations:
Submission of the Full Papers:

16 September 2024
26 September 2024
21 October 2024
01 November 2024
25 October 2024
15 November 2024


The official languages of the Conference are Albanian and English.

Simultaneous translation will be provided.

ABSTRACTS SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

To find more information about The Abstracts Submission Guidelines, please view “RULES AND GUIDELINES”, page linked here.