Local and International Experts Discuss Quality, Sustainability and Innovation on the Second Day of EOQ Congress 2026
23/10/2026As part of the second day of the 67th Congress of the European Organization for Quality (EOQ 2026), held at UBT, discussions and presentations explored the role of quality in sustainable development, smart cities, the built environment, and economic and financial resilience.
The sessions brought together local and international experts, representatives of public institutions, and leaders from the financial sector to address the challenges and opportunities arising from digital transformation, innovation, and the implementation of quality standards across various sectors.
Sustainability, Smart Cities and the Built Environment
The session entitled “Sustainability, Smart Cities and the Built Environment” was led by Prof. Dr. Visar Hoxha. Discussions focused on spatial planning, the circular economy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and the development of sustainable urban spaces.
The following topics were presented during the session:
- Valbone Dushi – “Quality and Sustainability: Responsible Growth, the Circular Economy, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Criteria.”
- Prof. Dr. Visar Hoxha, UBT – “Quality in Real Estate and the Built Environment: Creating Sustainable Value in Smart Cities.”
- Prof. Dr. Alban Kuriqi, UBT – “Water, Climate and Infrastructure Resilience: Applying Engineering Quality Standards for Sustainable Systems.”
- Dr. José Pedro Teixeira Domingues, Vice President of the Portuguese Association for Quality (APQ) and representative of the University of Minho – “Quality at a Turning Point: Connecting Culture, Sustainability and Digital Innovation.”
- Prof. Dr. Binak Beqaj, UBT – “Spatial Quality, Urban Systems and a Sustainable Built Environment.”
The presentations highlighted the importance of integrating quality standards into urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management, with the aim of creating functional, sustainable spaces that positively impact quality of life.
Financial Quality, Trust and Economic Resilience
The Congress programme also addressed topics related to financial quality, trust and economic resilience, focusing on the stability of the financial system, the digital transformation of banking, risk management, and the development of innovative financial services.
The following topics were presented in this context:
- Suat Bakkal, Chief Executive Officer of BKT Kosova – “Quality, Innovation and Customer-Oriented Banking Services.”
- Prof. Dr. Shpresim Vranofci, Executive Director of the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Kosovo (AMIK) and moderator of the forum – “Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology (FinTech) and Quality Assurance in the Future of Financial Services.”
