In Durrës, Albania’s second largest city and a key economic hub, efforts to modernize and reconstruct critical infrastructure are progressing steadily as part of broader development reforms. As part of the broader reconstruction and reform of the internal water supply network, supported by the French Development Agency (AFD), Swisscontact is contributing to this transformation by conducting a gender assessment of the regional water and sanitation utility, Ujësjellës Kanalizime Rajoni Durrës (UKRD).
This mandate integrated gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) considerations into UKRD’s operational and institutional frameworks, aligning public utility governance with international best practices and the evolving European standards to which Albania aspires. Swisscontact provided evidence-based advisory support that enhanced UKRD’s internal capacities and ensured that public services better reflected the needs of diverse population groups.
Swisscontact applies a practice-oriented methodology that aligns with international GESI standards while remaining sensitive to the specific operational context of local public institutions. The approach bridges strategic frameworks with applied research, resulting in actionable recommendations tailored to the utility’s governance and operational structures. This demonstrated Swisscontact’s ability to deliver high-quality advisory services that support institutional transformation through inclusive, data-driven processes.
The assignment also highlighted Swisscontact’s growing engagement in the water and sanitation sector and its role as a competent provider of advisory and research services. By pairing technical expertise with strong local presence, Swisscontact added value to development partners seeking to promote inclusive governance and improved public services - contributing to global commitments such as SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Overall, the assignment reinforced Swisscontact’s expanding role in policy-relevant advisory work and institutional reform in the Western Balkans, showcasing its ability to support partners at the intersection of governance, infrastructure, and social inclusion delivering results to the high satisfaction of the client.