Regional Climate Conference Held in Tirana, Ministers Koçiu and Jaupaj Say Climate Change Requires Immediate Action and Regional Cooperation

The Regional Climate Conference, “United for Climate,” is taking place in Tirana. The event brings together approximately 200 representatives from Western Balkan countries, international institutions, development partners, and environmental experts. The event focuses on strengthening regional cooperation and translating climate policies into tangible actions and investments to promote a more sustainable future.
During the opening session, Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu emphasized that climate change is a borderless challenge requiring collective responses. She emphasized that floods, wildfires, and droughts directly affect the region, generating significant economic costs estimated at an average of 1–1.5% of GDP annually for the Western Balkans.
Minister Koçiu emphasized that the path toward European Union integration hinges on addressing the climate crisis and stressed the importance of countries sharing resources, data, and responsibilities. She noted that the region has made progress in drafting strategies but that the main challenge remains implementing them in practice.
The minister identified three main pillars for addressing the climate crisis: financing, data collection, and cross-border cooperation. In this context, climate investments were not described as acts of charity but as investments in shared security. The modernization of hydrometeorological systems and the establishment of a climate services framework were also considered essential for increasing resilience.
In a video message addressed to participants during the panel “United for Climate – Action for Adaptation and Regional Cooperation,” Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj stated that climate change is already a reality directly affecting economies, infrastructure, and communities. He emphasized the need to accelerate concrete actions, strengthen early warning systems, and better connect climate data with policies and investments.
Minister Jaupaj stressed the importance of aligning with the European Union’s Green Agenda and integration process. He noted that regional and international cooperation is essential to address shared climate risks.
The conference is taking place at a time when Western Balkan countries are facing an increase in climate risks, including repeated floods, droughts, heat waves, and wildfires. These events have damaged economies, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The two-day meeting in Tirana provides a platform for regional countries to coordinate their actions in line with the Berlin Process and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. The goal is to increase long-term resilience and protect the environment.