United for Climate: Turning regional cooperation into climate resilience for the Western Balkans

This was the central message of the regional conference “United for Climate – Regional Cooperation for a Resilient Future”, held from 5–7 May 2026 in Tirana. Hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Albania, organized by GIZ under the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans, the conference brought together more than 290 participants, including representatives of governments, municipalities, international organisations, regional institutions, climate finance mechanisms, academia, civil society and technical experts. 

Among others, the conference included the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), FAO, SECO, SWG-RRD, the Transport Community, NALAS and national and local institutions from across the Western Balkans.

For GIZ, the conference marked an important step in supporting the region to move from climate strategies to practical implementation. Countries in the Western Balkans have already made progress in developing climate policies, adaptation plans and institutional frameworks. The challenge now is to turn these priorities into concrete investments, stronger institutions and visible solutions for communities.

A central message throughout the conference was that regional cooperation is no longer only a political objective, but a practical necessity. This was strongly reflected through the role of the Regional Cooperation Council, which is supporting regional climate adaptation processes and helping connect national priorities with broader Western Balkan cooperation under the Green Agenda. The discussions showed that shared risks — such as floods, droughts, wildfires, water scarcity and pressure on infrastructure — require shared data, coordinated planning and regional mechanisms that can support implementation.

Climate finance was another key focus. The Green Climate Fund presented opportunities for countries that are ready to develop technically mature and financeable adaptation projects. The discussions underlined that access to climate finance depends not only on the availability of funds, but also on the capacity of institutions to prepare strong project pipelines, climate-risk assessments, feasibility studies and clear implementation mechanisms. This is where GIZ’s role as a technical cooperation partner is essential: supporting institutions to translate climate priorities into investable projects.

The conference also highlighted the importance of hydrometeorological services, climate data and early warning systems. Reliable climate information is becoming essential not only for disaster response, but also for agriculture, infrastructure planning, water management, mobility and local governance. The contribution of SECO and Switzerland’s long-standing engagement in strengthening technical cooperation, early warning systems and institutional partnerships was particularly relevant in this context, showing how international cooperation can help the region move from reactive crisis response toward prevention and preparedness.

Climate-resilient agriculture: from policy to the field

Agriculture was one of the key sectors discussed during the conference, as one of the most climate-vulnerable parts of the Western Balkan economies. Rising temperatures, droughts, irregular rainfall, floods, late frosts, water stress and soil degradation are already affecting food production, rural livelihoods and the sustainability of farming systems across the region.

The agriculture sessions brought together ministries, researchers, advisory services, development partners and regional organisations to discuss how climate adaptation can be integrated into agricultural policies and, more importantly, how it can reach farmers in practice. The discussions focused on climate-smart agriculture, improved water management, resilient crop varieties, preservation of local seed varieties, precision irrigation, weather-based decision-making tools and digital advisory services.

A strong message emerged: farmers should not be seen only as beneficiaries of adaptation policies, but as active partners in building resilience. Practical examples from the region showed how demonstration fields, climate-informed irrigation systems, weather stations, fertigation systems and digital tools can help farmers use water and nutrients more efficiently and respond better to changing climate conditions.

The conference also included the 2nd Orientation and Training Meeting on Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture for agricultural ministries and the 1st South-East Europe Regional Training for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services, organised by SWG-RRD. These sessions strengthened the role of advisory services as a bridge between policy, science and farmers. 

Sustainable urban mobility: resilience where people move every day

Transport and urban mobility were another major focus of the conference. Cities across the Western Balkans are already facing the combined pressure of climate change, congestion, air pollution, aging infrastructure and growing dependence on private cars. Heatwaves, floods and extreme weather events increasingly affect streets, sidewalks, bus stops, public transport systems and daily mobility.

The sessions on Sustainable Urban Mobility for Climate Adaptation showed that mobility is not only a transport issue. It is also a climate, development and quality-of-life issue. Participants discussed how Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), public transport, active mobility, greener public spaces and climate-resilient infrastructure can help cities become safer, more accessible and more resilient.

The discussions, supported by partners such as the Transport Community, Odraz, and NALAS and regional urban mobility experts, focused on how cities can integrate climate-risk assessments into transport planning and future investments. Examples from Tirana, Prishtina, Sarajevo, Shkodra, Vlora and Zavidovići demonstrated that cities are already testing practical approaches — from climate vulnerability mapping and pedestrian-oriented infrastructure to greener bus stops, improved cycling conditions and nature-based solutions for reducing heat and managing stormwater.

For GIZ, this part of the conference showed why climate adaptation must be built into everyday systems. Resilience is not only about large infrastructure. It is also about whether people can walk safely during heatwaves, whether public transport can function during heavy rain, whether streets can absorb stormwater, and whether cities are planned around people rather than cars.

From shared risks to shared solutions

Across all three days, one conclusion was clear: the Western Balkans is entering a new phase of climate adaptation. The region already has strategies, knowledge and examples of good practice. The next step is implementation — supported by stronger institutions, regional cooperation, climate finance, technical expertise and local action.

Through the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans, Germany and GIZ are supporting this transition. The aim is to help partners connect policy with practice, regional cooperation with national priorities, and climate finance with concrete projects that improve resilience for people and communities.

The Tirana conference showed that no country, city or sector can address climate risks alone. But it also showed that the region has a growing foundation of partnerships, expertise and commitment. With continued cooperation between governments, regional organisations, municipalities, technical institutions and development partners, the Western Balkans can move from climate awareness to climate action — and from shared risks to shared resilience.