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, while supporting environmental protection.
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, while supporting environmental protection.
Contribute to the development and strengthening of the water sector and environmental protection in Albania through advocacy, capacity building, awareness raising and innovation, enabling water and wastewater companies to improve the quality of services, increase efficiency, and promote sustainable environmental practices.
Leader in increasing the quality and sustainability of services in the water sector and environmental protection in Albania.
SHUKALB's work is structured around several strategic pillars that support the development of the water and wastewater sector in Albania. Its Training and Capacity Development efforts include technical courses, structured capacity development programs, peer-to-peer exchanges, workshops, and study visits—designed to improve utility performance and professional expertise across the sector. Through its Education and Public Awareness initiatives, SHUKALB implements a wide range of educational programs targeting all age groups and organizes impactful public outreach events to build community engagement with water and environmental issues.
In terms of Advocacy, SHUKALB supports technical projects and policy dialogue, while fostering regional outreach and partnerships to amplify its impact. The Association also serves as a major convener in the region, organizing flagship events such as the Balkan Joint Conference and Exhibition (in partnership with SHUKOS) and the IWA Regional Utility Management Conference, both of which promote knowledge exchange and innovation.
Additionally, SHUKALB maintains active communication and sector engagement through regular publications, most notably its bilingual monthly e-newsletter “BURIMI,” which shares the latest developments in the sector with thousands of stakeholders across Albania and beyond.
SHUKALB has been a committed member of the International Association of Water Service Companies in the Danube River Catchment Area (IAWD) since 2017.
SHUKALB joined IAWD to leverage the benefits of regional collaboration and enhance its capacity development efforts. As a member, SHUKALB actively engages in the Danube Learning Partnership, which delivers regionally developed capacity-building programs tailored to Albanian water sector. This membership facilitates valuable exchanges of knowledge and best practices, supports the development of Albanian water utilities, and strengthens SHUKALB's role in advancing water management practices within the Danube region.
Some of the D-LeaP Capacity Development Programs Delivered are:
In addition, in 2022, SHUKALB co-hosted the Danube Water Forum in Tirana with IAWD and the World Bank.
Why SHUKALB Supports the “Just Add Water” (JAW) Campaign
SHUKALB strongly supports the Just Add Water (JAW) campaign, an initiative led by IAWD under the RCDN framework, which aims to raise public awareness about the importance of water and sanitation services in the Danube region.
Supporting this campaign aligns with SHUKALB’s long-standing commitment to education, awareness, and sector capacity building. Through localized engagement, multimedia content, and social media outreach, the campaign empowers youth, communities, and professionals to appreciate and act on the value of water. SHUKALB is eager to contribute its experience and networks—especially among Young Water Professionals and public utilities—to help make water and sanitation a shared community responsibility across Albania and the region.
