International Conference: "Green and Digital Transition in the countries of the Western Balkans. The role of Regions and Cities. Green Agenda of the Western Balkans"
The works of FoRLED 2023 culminated with the conference:
"Green and Digital Transition in the countries of the Western Balkans. The role of Regions and Cities. Green Agenda of the Western Balkans",
as an integral part of FoRLED 2023, held on 15 Decemer 2023, in premises of the Hotel Kraal, Vlore.
FoRLED 2023 was for the first time held in a hybrid mode: in person and online. FoRlED 2023 was attended by professionals in the field, representatives of CSOs, representatives of the academy, European organizations, as well as representatives of the local government and not only. Institutions, in the EU, international organizations, entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs' organizations, public development agencies, academics, experts and civil society from different countries as well as other people interested in the topic.
The proceedings of the Conference were chaired by Mr. Skerdi Dafa, University of Tirana.
In this session we welcome FoRLED 2023:
Dr. Ervis Mocka, Chairman of the Vlora District Council
Mr. Flamur Mamaj, Prefect of Vlora District
Dr. Pranvera Resulaj, Member of Parliament, Member of the Economy and Budget Committee, Deputy. Chairperson of the Committee for Sustainable Development, Albanian Parliament.
FoRLED 2023 Forum and its Objectives were presented by Mrs. Luiza Hoxhaj
First Session of The International Conference in FoRLED 2023
At the First Session of The International Conference in FoRLED 2023 we had an outstanding contribution of great speakers, who shared visions, experiences and essential knowledge about the Green and Digital Transition in the Western Balkans. There was:
Peter Tramberend (Environment Agency Austria - EU4GREEN Project). He explaining the importance of the Green Agenda and the involvement of civil society organizations in the its implementation process.
Dr. Ambre Maucorps (Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies). She analyse of the twin transitions - green and digital - in the Western Balkans as and the economic challenges and opportunities.
Dr. Alison Gilliland (Member of the Committee of the Regions-CoR, CIVEX Commission, Brussels), Cllr at City Counsil of Dublin, Member of the Eastern Midland Regional Assembly. She shared “ Experience from COP 28, as part of CoR Delegation and the Role of the Municipal Consil, experience of Dublin as and the role of the City Council in green cities.
Mark Rupa (CNVP Representative).He speak about regional project (Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia on integrated forest management along the Drin River Basin.
This session is moderated with the great responsibility by Skerdi Dafa, University of Tirana.
All these speakers have had an important role in achieving a rich and excellent perspective on regional and local economic development in the Western Balkans for bringing positive change!
II Session of the International Conference at the FoRLED 2023: Urban and Rural Planning - Pillars of the Green Agenda of the Western Balkans.
The II Session of ForRLED 2023 also had excellent speakers, delving into urban and rural planning - as the main pillars of the Western Balkans Green Agenda.
Dr. Adriana Jaka: took a look at the "Green Deal Going Local " based on her participation in the Swedish delegation at COP28, as an invaluable experience in shaping sustainable urban strategies.
Mrs. Miribana Lame (Albanian Development Fund) Through her presentation, the presentation of the projects of the Albanian Development Fund in this direction, as well as the sharing of her experience at the conference, she contributed significantly to laying the foundations for a greener Western Balkans.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Nikolov, (Head of the Department of Regional Development, University of National and World Economy) and representative of EAR_AER. His expertise as well as that of the Department he leads in the "Development of Smart Cities" not only enlightens us in urban planning, but also matches the green vision for the Western Balkans.
Dr. Aulona Veizaj (Director of the Department of Agriculture, Vlora Municipality) underlined the vital role of rural areas, a key component in realizing the ambitions of the Western Balkans Green Agenda.
The moderator of this session Dr. Luiza Hoxhaj, CRLDS skillfully directed the discussions of this session towards the essential pillars of the Western Balkans Green Agenda.
Collectively, the speakers of this session have contributed to the discourse on sustainable city development, but have also strengthened the foundation of the Western Balkans journey towards a greener future. Their dedication was instrumental in shaping our region's environmental landscape!
Session III of the FoRLED 2023 : Navigating Green Transitions in Different Sectors
The excellent speakers of Session III at FORLED 2023 offered different perspectives on navigating green transitions in different sectors.
Suela Tahiraj, Advisor for Sustainable Tourism shed light on the impact of climate change on the tourism sector and on the green and digital transition process.
Mr. Xhevdet Gegollaj, Green Foundation in Kosovo presented the view of the foundation that leads on the green management of organic waste in Kosovo, exploring whether this is a challenge or an opportunity. His experience and ideas, based on real theoretical and empirical studies, were truly enlightening.
Gezim Dapi, Director of the Directorate for Circular Economy in the Municipality of Tirana Circular Economy with his presentation, contributed in an appreciable way to the discussion on circular economy practices within the Municipality of Tirana.
Romina Shamku, "Let's Go Circular" Project Manager, Tirana Municipality presented the "Let's Go Circular" project and shared the vision for a more sustainable and circular future in the country. This project is the first, pioneering project in the Urbact Program, where the countries of the Western Balkans and Albania have recently been accepted.
Alisia Garcia, European Innovation and Inclusion Network spoke on social innovations for inclusive green and digital jobs, funded by ESF+, and employment programs with a healthy approach, adding valuable dimensions to our discussions.
Moderator Luiza Hoxhaj, CRLDS expertly led the session, encouraging a dynamic exchange of ideas.
The collective contributions of the high-level speakers significantly enriched our and the wider audience's understanding of green transitions in various sectors, aligning with the core themes of FoRLED 2023.
