NALAS | First Forum of Local Self-Governments on the Green Agenda
The event under the motto ‘Unlocking the Future: Innovate, Eco-vate, Elevate’ took place on 12 October in Tirana, Albania. Organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS), and Tirana Municipality, with the support of the European Union, the inaugural First Forum marks the beginning of a structured regional dialogue between Local Self-Governments from the Western Balkans. The primary aim of this forum is to accelerate the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans at the local level.
The opening ceremony included Majlinda Bregu, Secretary-General of the RCC, Mehmet Ergün Turan, President of NALAS and Mayor of Fatih, Istanbul, and Mathieu Mori, Secretary General of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Arbjan Mazniku, Minister for Local Government of Albania, Luigi Soreca, EU Ambassador to Albania. Their insightful remarks set the stage for engaging discussions and meaningful deliberations.
The central theme of the forum, “Unlocking the Future: Innovate, Eco-vate, Elevate – Western Balkans Unite for Smart Cities,” underscores the need for collaborative efforts in creating sustainable and smart cities. Participants delved into discussions focusing on the green transformation of cities across the Western Balkans, exploring innovative approaches to sustainable development. Esteemed panelists included Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, Danela Arsovska, Mayor of Skopje, Përparim Rama, Mayor of Pristina, Samir Avdić, Deputy Mayor of Sarajevo, and Luka Rakcevic, Deputy Mayor of Podgorica, all of whom brought their unique perspectives and experiences to the conversation.
