The first session of the workshop commenced with a welcome speech by Doris Damyanovic, Vice Rector for Teaching, Continuing Education, and Students at BOKU, who presented an overview of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences.

In subsequent sessions, participants received comprehensive reports on existing curricula related to CSUD and analyzed EU initiatives. The workshop also provided opportunities for group discussions and interactive sessions. The World Café format was employed to conduct SWOT analysis related to CSUD in Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, facilitating focused discussions and the identification of key issues.

The workshop concluded with a series of presentations by table hosts, showcasing the findings and synergies from the interactive round tables. As the workshop concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future prospects of the SmartWB project, recognizing its potential to bring sustainable and climate-friendly urban development to the Western Balkans region. The insights gained from the workshop will contribute to the project's overall objectives and pave the way for future initiatives in the field and to identify differences and synergies of climate-smart urban development in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

The SWOT analysis for Albania yielded critical observations in the following areas:

1. Improving Spatial Planning Policies (Energy and Climate Plan): Albania's legal framework for energy and climate policies exists, but practical implementation lags. Solar power potential is promising, but challenges include operational energy system management guidelines and energy trading legislations. Rural areas' exclusion from planning and potential youth migration pose threats.
2. Sustainable Urban Development through Mobility Planning: Albania's focus on sustainable mobility, especially in Tirana, is noteworthy. Lack of suitable public transport and privately-owned infrastructure hinder progress. A holistic approach involving public institutions for spatial and transport planning is essential.
3. Protection of Environment and Resources: Despite existing legal frameworks, Albania struggles with environmental protection implementation. Unclear responsibilities and lacking facilities hinder waste management. Strengthening waste infrastructure and university research can mitigate pollution and boost EU integration chances.
4. Informal Settlements: Addressing issues in informal settlements is vital for social cohesion. Political support for rationalization is strong, but prolonged timelines and insufficient budgets impede progress. Increased funding is necessary to enhance living conditions.

The SWOT analysis for Bosnia and Herzegovina highlights pivotal takeaways in these areas:

1. National Plans in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The nation's intricate administrative and governmental system hampers swift adoption of new laws. Efficiently organized national plans are crucial, addressing issues like illegal construction activities. Integrating national plans into university curricula can aid in reaching the EU membership objective.
2. Reducing Car Dependency: Bosnia and Herzegovina faces elevated CO2 emissions from transportation. While the legal framework exists, implementation lags. State-owned transport companies provide opportunities for public transport expansion. Shifting focus to public transport and cycling, alongside municipality-university collaborations, is vital.
3. Waste Management: The country grapples with insufficient waste separation and recycling facilities. Guidelines exist, but actual implementation is lacking. Rectifying this could create jobs, prevent youth migration, and minimize negative environmental impacts.
4. Water Management: Water management's complexity stems from legal and institutional inconsistencies. Substantial water losses and misuse persist, with inadequate wastewater treatment facilities and improper water use. Bolstering infrastructure, public awareness, and utilizing EU funding can mitigate pollution and increase EU membership chances.

The SWOT analysis for Montenegro highlighted crucial areas for improvement:

1. Reducing Car Dependency: Montenegro's potential lies in its small cities and short distances, conducive to promoting alternative transport. Challenges include infrastructure limitations and cultural resistance. EU funding offers an opportunity, but a threat is posed by young people leaving the country.
2. Improving Waste Management: Weak waste management infrastructure and low awareness hinder progress, while Montenegro's size is an advantage. Economic gains and environmental benefits are opportunities, countered by the threat of illegal dumping.
3. Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Buildings: Existing legal framework and guidelines need greater utilization, coupled with heightened public awareness. Opportunities include cost savings and market value enhancement. Nationally, energy efficiency aids EU integration, job creation, and technological growth. Funding constraints present a challenge.
4. Addressing Irrational Water Use: Water leakage in the supply system and lack of awareness hinder progress. Opportunities lie in water reuse and multi-use, but climate change poses a threat. Public education on sustainable wastewater management is essential.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the combined insights from the SWOT analyses conducted for Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina offer essential lessons for addressing critical challenges in urban development and sustainability. These lessons are universally relevant and can guide future management strategies. The SWOT analyses collectively emphasize the need for proactive planning, community engagement, context-specific approaches, international partnerships, and a balanced outlook. By embracing these lessons, not only can the challenges outlined in the analyses be addressed effectively, but a more resilient and sustainable urban future can be realized for these regions and beyond.

The SmartWB project continues to make significant strides toward its goals, shaping the future of urban development and fostering cooperation between academia and the private sector.