Kosovo marks Climate Change Adaptation Day 2025

The event was opened by Mrs. Marianne Alker, Programme Manager on Circular Urban Development at GIZ Kosovo, who highlighted the importance of collaborative action in addressing climate change and supporting sustainable urban development. 

The agenda focused on how Kosovo and its municipalities are addressing climate risks and advancing adaptation efforts, with key contributions from Mr. Bashkim Kastrati, Expert in Hydrology and Climate Risks, who outlined how Kosovo and its municipalities are exposed to climate change impacts; Mrs. Beatrice John, Head of Programme Adaptation at Adelphi Consult, who discussed how towns and rural communities can pioneer climate adaptation; and Mr. Agim Mazreku, External Advisor to the Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, who presented the implementation of the Kosovo Climate Change Adaptation Strategy as a national framework for coordinated action. 

A panel discussion, “Adapting for the Future: From Climate Challenges to Resilient Solutions,” moderated by Mrs. Fjollë Caka, brought together experts including Mrs. Violeta Nushi, Mr. Ali Sefaj, Mr. Baton Begolli, Mr. Fadil Sherifi, and Mrs. Susanne Kempf, who emphasized the importance of integrating resilient, nature-based, and inclusive solutions into urban planning and policy development. 

The event concluded with an exhibition and a certification ceremony, recognizing students who presented innovative proposals for climate-resilient urban spaces, developed as part of the Urban Development and Climate Resilience Lab, a ten-day academy on nature-based solutions in public spaces. 

Supported by German Government and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) through #GIZKosovo, the Climate Change Adaptation Day reaffirmed that addressing climate change requires creativity, cooperation, and shared commitment across all sectors of society.