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CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

INTRODUCTION

On behalf of SHUKOS and SHUKALB , we are pleased to invite you to join us at our 14th Balkans Joint Conference and Exhibition, taking place from 3–5 November, 2026, in Prishtina, Kosova, at the Emerald Hotel.

The theme of the 2026 Conference, “Water and Equal Opportunities” highlights the importance of building a water sector that is not only technically strong, but also fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of communities. Inspired by the UN World Water Day 2026 theme, “Water and Gender”, this year’s Conference takes a broader perspective, addressing both equitable access to water and sanitation services and equal opportunities within the water sector itself.

Access to safe, reliable, and affordable water and sanitation services is essential for public health, economic development, and quality of life. Yet disparities in access and service quality continue to affect communities across the region and beyond. Ensuring that no one is left behind, requires utilities, governments, and stakeholders to work together to secure services that are planned and delivered in a way that are accessible, resilient, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.

At the same time, better services depend on strong institutions and skilled professionals. As the sector faces challenges such as infrastructure modernization, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, climate pressure, and workforce renewal, it is essential to attract and retain talented professionals, support career development, and promote equal opportunities for participation and leadership.

We therefore encourage all interested professionals, institutions, utilities, private sector representatives, academia, young professionals, and partners to explore this year’s conference themes and topics and to contribute actively to the programme by submitting an abstract for presentation. By sharing experiences, research, practical solutions, and lessons learned, participants will help enrich the professional dialogue and support the advancement of a more inclusive, and sustainable water sector.

We would be pleased to welcome you to Prishtina this November and to share this important opportunity for exchange, cooperation, and joint commitment to the future of the water sector in the region and beyond.

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:

11 September 2026
26 September 2026
23 October 2026
19 October 2026
23 October 2026
27 November 2026


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.