PRESS RELEASE
Njoftime Dhe Projekte
PRESS RELEASE
CrossWater+ Conference Promotes Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Water Management
Tirana, 27 June 2025 – Water sector leaders and experts from Albania, Montenegro, and Italy gathered in Tirana for the CrossWater+ Conference, organized by the Tirana Water Supply and Sewerage Utility (UKT), under the theme “Sustainable Water Management: Challenges and Good Practices in Albania, Montenegro and Italy.” Held at the Academy of Security, the event brought together representatives from public institutions, private companies, and international organizations to discuss solutions and share experiences for better management of water resources across the region. Opening the conference, Mrs. Evis Gjebrea, Deputy General Director of UKT, highlighted the need to work together and use modern technology to solve water-related challenges.
Key topics discussed included:
- Digital Innovations from Italy: Ms. Luigia Troiano from Acquedotto Pugliese presented digital tools like Decision Support Systems and Digital Twin technology, helping to monitor networks in real-time and reduce water losses.
- UKT’s Plans for Tirana: PhD Evis Gjebrea spoke about UKT’s projects to ensure 24- hour water supply in Tirana, despite challenges such as old infrastructure and high water losses.
- Veolia’s Solutions: Mr. Leonat Muskollari from Veolia shared new technologies for detecting leaks and using artificial intelligence to improve water management and save costs.
- Progress in Albania’s Water Management: Mrs. Ornela Hoxha from AMBU explained Albania’s progress in aligning its water management laws with EU standards and developing river basin plans.
- Montenegro’s Efforts: Mr. Semir Kalac shared Montenegro’s work to protect water sources and reduce human impact in sensitive areas.
- Building Skills in the Water Sector: Mr. Alban Kushi from SHUKALB talked about training and certification programs to create a skilled workforce for the water sector in Albania.
- Financial Sustainability: Mrs. Lindita Troka from the World Bank presented new approaches to subsidies, aiming to keep water services affordable while supporting the financial health of water utilities.
In closing remarks, Mrs. Gjebrea emphasized UKT’s commitment to cooperation, new technologies, and sustainable solutions to protect water resources for the future. The CrossWater+ Conference was an important step in strengthening regional cooperation and sharing knowledge to tackle water management challenges in Southeast Europe.