The foundations for a Water Operator Partnership Platform for Southeast Europe (WOP SEE) were laid during a matchmaking workshop held in Pristina, Kosovo, on 4-5 November 2024. Organized by the International Association of Water Supply Companies in the Danube River Catchment Area (IAWD) and supported by GWOPA/UN-Habitat, the event united 18 water operators from six countries—Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Participants enthusiastically embraced Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs), a GWOPA/UN-Habitat driven initiative promoting peer-to-peer learning and collaboration to improve water and sanitation services. At GWOPA, we are proud to boast our global network of over 160 institutional members who have already facilitated over 470 partnerships worldwide, demonstrating the power of not-for-profit peer exchange in building capacity and enhancing services.
The Pristina workshop was a milestone, combining team-building activities, expert consultations, and guided exercises to establish a strong foundation for future partnerships. Operators assessed their strengths and challenges, identified shared goals, and outlined actionable plans, including timelines and expected outcomes. Informal interactions, such as a matchmaking dinner, further fostered camaraderie and sparked additional partnership possibilities. The outcome exceeded expectations, with ten promising WOP matches identified during the workshop. More partnerships are anticipated as interest grows, with opportunities to involve mentors from outside the region. These partnerships will complement ongoing training initiatives under D-LeaP, blending structured capacity building with peer-driven collaboration.
By advancing WOPs, the region moves closer to achieving the goals of SDG 6: ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. GWOPA and its partners are committed to sustaining and expanding the WOP SEE platform, recognizing its potential to strengthen water sector resilience and service delivery across Southeast Europe.
Stay tuned for further WOP-related news and updates on the WOP SEE platform!
Contributed by Voice of the Danube