United Nations in Albania

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. Learn how 19 UN Agencies work together to support Albania’s achievement of the SDGs. Click on any SDG icon below:

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03 March 2026

Early Interventions Lead Toward Sustainable Impact

Meet Lori, a young, unemployed mother of two little girls: one is 24 months old, and the other is just 9 months old. She and her family came from extreme poverty and profound social hardship. On top of her financial struggles, Lori was also being physically and mentally abused by her husband. Even worse, she had no family to turn to.The local healthcare team, led by nurse Esmeralda Matoshi, conducts home follow-up visits for children in the community and at the Child Protection Unit in the Municipality of Elbasan, where the family resides. The nurse invited the mother to the “Health Center” with her nine-month-old for a routine checkup.This visit was a turning point for Lori and her children. At the Health Center, she was warmly and respectfully welcomed. It was the first time she felt truly listened to and safe. In this friendly atmosphere, the health care team held an open discussion and urged her to report the violence she was experiencing. As a result, she found the strength to speak out against her husband and begin a life of safety and dignity.“Now someone is hearing me, and it feels like I am not alone. In this center, I found the strength to help myself and my daughters,” Lori said calmly.After the health center, she was referred to the Child Protection Unit and social services for professional evaluation and counseling, with the assistance of the Child Protection representative at the Elbasan Municipality and much-needed inter-institutional cooperation.The mother regained custody of her children by meeting their basic needs. Lori is now in the family support program and attends regular parenting classes. Ongoing support is also provided through the Community Center "Balashe" of the Elbasan Municipality, which is committed to helping her rebuild her life and care for her children. Her daughters are growing in the care and warmth of their mother, who is now in a much safer and loving place. She remains under the supervision of psychosocial services and the Health Center, where she continues to receive counseling, care, and psychosocial support.Because of the good care and early professional assistance, Lori’s story is one of strength, courage, and hope in the face of life’s hardest challenges. Due to the loving care of the nurse, the prompt actions of the medical personnel and child abuse investigators, and the strong, cooperative spirit of the institution, the mother was able to escape an era of misery and find hope, respect, and a new life for her and her daughters.Today, Lori, is a reminder that sometimes it takes only a moment in someone’s life to create a new destiny. ***This story is based on a project funded by UNICEF and implemented by the Partnership for Development Foundation under the UN Joint Programme “Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania” (LEAP). The programme is funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, and UN Women, in partnership with the Government of Albania. LEAP supports integrated, digital, and inclusive systems for social protection and employment, ensuring that today’s income security becomes tomorrow’s economic independence. We sincerely appreciate the contributions from the European Union and the governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland in accelerating progress towards the SDGs. ***Story was originally published by UNICEF Albania.

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08 March 2026

International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal World

Over nearly a decade leading the United Nations, I have seen our world repeatedly tested – by climate shocks, deepening poverty, violent conflict and shrinking civic space. But I have also watched many solutions take root, and they shared one common denominator: women.As the world marks International Women’s Day, it is time to recognize that gender inequality is the greatest human rights challenge of our time – and advancing equality is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable development and peace.Here are eight actions drawn from my own experience, and inspired by the work of the UN system and civil society movements across the globe, to advance women’s rights and deliver results.1. Fix the Power GapGender equality is a question of power. But male-dominated institutions still shape our world. A rising tide of authoritarianism is deepening these inequalities, rolling back hard-won protections – from fair work practices to reproductive rights – and entrenching racial and gender biases that hold women back. Gender equality lifts societies. When power is shared, freedom expands.2. Make Parity a Priority Women are grossly under-represented in governments and boardrooms across the globe. At the United Nations, we set out to make gender parity a priority, starting with senior leadership. We did this by widening the search for qualified candidates, not by lowering standards. The UN is stronger for it, with an enhanced workplace culture and more inclusive decision-making. The lesson is clear. When institutions choose equality, results follow.3. Bet on the Highest-Return Investment Investment in women delivers outsized returns. Every dollar spent on girls’ education yields nearly triple the gains, while maternal health and family planning generate more than eightfold benefits. Policies that support families such as child care and elder care strengthen communities and unlock even more growth. Taken together, such steps lay the foundation for closing gender gaps – which can boost national income by as much as 20%.4. Make Room at the Peace TablePeace agreements are more durable when women take part in negotiating and implementing them. Yet in too many conflicts – including Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan – women have been largely shut out of the room, even though they carry the heaviest burdens of war. At a time of rising instability, inclusion is not symbolic – it is a shortcut to stabilize our fractured world.5. End Legal Discrimination Worldwide, women hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights enjoyed by men. In too many places, they cannot own property, work freely, or seek a divorce. Even where protections exist, women face higher barriers to access legal aid or the courts. Every country must commit to dismantling discriminatory laws, and to enforcing rights in practice. 6. Zero Tolerance for Gender-Based Violence – and Zero ExcusesViolence against women is a global emergency, rooted in inequality and sustained by silence. Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear. Yet gender-based violence – including sexual exploitation and abuse – remains a horrific breach of trust and humanity. We must confront it everywhere, with zero tolerance, full accountability, and unwavering support for survivors. 7. Code Out BiasWith women comprising just one in four tech workers, bias is being hardwired into the systems that shape daily lives. Meanwhile, misogyny is exploding online. Technology companies and governments must act together to build safe, inclusive digital spaces – and the world must do more to remove barriers for girls in science and technology.8. Put Gender in the Climate Plan Climate change is sexist. Women often eat last in food crises and endure greater danger in emergencies. Girls face higher risks of child marriage when livelihoods collapse. But women are also leading climate solutions – advancing green legislation, powering global movements, and driving change on the ground. A liveable planet demands gender-responsive climate policies, including equal access to green jobs, better protection in emergencies, and full participation in environmental decision-making.Across the globe, I have seen these eight solutions in action – in war zones and recovery efforts, parliaments and classrooms, organizations and communities.If leaders get serious about gender equality and commit to them now, we will change the world – for women and girls, and for us all.

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Press Release

08 April 2026

Albania Marks Roma Day with New Action Plan, Community Voices Highlight Priorities Ahead

Tirana, 8 April 2026 – On International Roma Day, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare presented Albania’s third National Action Plan for the Equality, Inclusion and Participation of Roma and Egyptians, with the support of the European Union, the Council of Europe. The launch reflects continued national and international commitment to advancing inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for Roma communities across the country. The United Nations in Albania welcomed the initiative, congratulating institutions for building on previous efforts and reaffirming its support in translating policy into tangible results. The United Nations has provided sustained support to Albania’s Roma inclusion efforts across successive national action plans, contributing to strengthened implementation, institutional coordination, and community engagement.UNDP’s support to Roma communities in Albania has been primarily implemented through the “Leave No One Behind” (LNB / LNB2) programme, which has focused on strengthening social inclusion, access to services, and participation of vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptian communities. Through this programme, interventions have supported community-based social services, participatory governance, economic empowerment, and access to rights, particularly for Roma women and youth, contributing to improved inclusion and engagement at local level. “On this International Roma Day, the United Nations in Albania reaffirms its commitment to advancing equality, dignity, and inclusion for Roma communities. Addressing persistent barriers requires sustained commitment and solutions shaped together with communities.” — Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Coordinator in AlbaniaMacdonald commend Deputy Minister Ina Majko, Council of Europe Head of Office Giulia Re, EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and civil society partners, highlighting the importance of co-designing the new 🇦🇱 Roma Action Plan 2026–2030 and focusing concretely on implementation through dedicated financing, targeted actions and a while of system approach—a key step toward inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.Roma communities remain an integral part of Albania’s social fabric and cultural heritage. At the same time, challenges in access to education, health care, employment, civil registration, and full participation in society continue to affect many families, highlighting the importance of sustained and coordinated action.Across the country, UN agencies are working with national and local institutions to strengthen implementation, improve coordination at municipal level, and ensure that inclusion is reflected in public planning and budgets. The new Action Plan is expected to further advance work in inclusive education, social protection, economic empowerment, access to justice, and efforts to address discrimination. Voices from Roma communities also point to key priorities moving forward.Bledar Taho, activist from the Institute of Roma Culture in Albania (IRCA), highlighted that while progress has been made, important challenges remain. He pointed to continued barriers in access to quality education, with literacy gaps still affecting a significant portion of the community, particularly women and girls. Employment opportunities also remain limited, with many Roma engaged in informal work due to lack of professional training, information, and equal access to the labour market.Taho further emphasized that discrimination continues to shape everyday experiences, while gaps in implementation and financing of policies can limit their impact on the ground. Strengthening the role of Roma civil society and ensuring their direct participation in decision-making processes were identified as essential for more effective and sustainable inclusion.Romina Sefa, Executive Director of the Center for Social Advocacy, emphasized that despite increased institutional attention, meaningful participation of Roma youth in public administration remains limited. She noted that their absence from decision-making processes weakens both representation and the effectiveness of policies targeting Roma communities. Strengthening the inclusion of Roma youth in public institutions should therefore be a key priority moving forward.International Roma Day serves both as a celebration of Roma identity, culture, and contribution, and as a moment to reflect on the path ahead. With the introduction of Action Plan III, Albania enters a new phase of its efforts, supported by strong partnerships and growing community engagement.The coming years will be important in ensuring that these commitments continue to translate into inclusive policies, improved services, and expanded opportunities for Roma communities across the country.

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Press Release

25 March 2026

Albania advances dialogue on social protection for seasonal workers in tourism

A High-Level Tripartite Meeting in Tirana brought together around 60 representatives from government, social partners and international experts to advance policy dialogue on improving access to social protection for seasonal workers in Albania’s tourism sector. Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the meeting took place within the UN Joint Programme Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania (LEAP), funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, ILO and UN Women in partnership with the Government of Albania, alongside the EU-funded Employment and Social Affairs Platform (ESAP3). At the centre of the discussion was a new ILO report, Improving Access to Social Protection for Seasonal Workers: Challenges and Good Practices, which highlighted a key mismatch between traditional social protection systems and the realities of seasonal work. Despite existing legal coverage, many workers face barriers due to contribution requirements, administrative challenges, informality and low awareness of rights. The analysis pointed to key policy directions, including adapting eligibility rules, simplifying access, improving benefit adequacy and promoting formalization to better align systems with labour market realities. International experts shared practical experiences from Europe. From Greece, Ms. Tonia N. Arahova (Deputy Governor, Public Employment Service – DYPA) and Ms. Glykeria Terzi (Head of Unemployment Insurance and Social Policies Directorate, DYPA) presented tailored benefits and seasonal allowances to bridge income gaps. From Spain, Mr. Juan Manuel Callejas González de Mendoza (Deputy Director General for Unemployment Benefits, SEPE) highlighted the fixed-discontinuous contract, ensuring continuity of employment and access to benefits. From Italy, Ms. Giulia Palombella (Head of Central Directorate for International Relations, INPS) showcased a system combining flexibility with strong worker protections and enforcement. From Portugal, Ms. Andreia Carrilho Martins (Senior Policy Officer, Institute of Social Security) outlined integration into the general system with adapted contribution rules. Across all cases, collective agreements emerged as a critical tool to ensure continuity of employment, define working conditions and strengthen access to social protection.Discussions confirmed the relevance of these lessons for Albania, where seasonal employment is a structural feature of the tourism sector. Participants emphasized the need to adapt solutions to national realities, balancing worker protection with business sustainability.The meeting marked an important step toward translating analysis and international experience into concrete policy dialogue, with further technical work expected to assess feasible reform options in close consultation with national stakeholders.

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Press Release

25 October 2021

Albania and UN renew commitment to joint work on sustainable development for the next five years

The Government of Albania and the United Nations Country Team in Albania announced their renewed commitment to a joint programme of work for the next five years this Monday, as Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj and UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney signed the Albania-UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2022-2026. The signing ceremony took place during a dual-themed event marking the 76th anniversary of the UN held at the palace of Brigades in Tirana. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs with the Office of Deputy Prime Minister of Albania and the UN Albania, with participation of key development stakeholders in the country. In the spirit of the UN Day and the recent launch of Secretary General’s report on Our Common Agenda aiming to strengthen governance for present and future generations, Deputy Prime Minister and Co-Chair of the Albania-UN Joint Executive Committee Arben Ahmetaj announced that the Albanian Government and the UN system in Albania have agreed on a new Cooperation Framework (CF) which will start this January and run through 2026. The new Cooperation Framework builds upon Albania’s key priorities, the accession to the European Union and delivering on the national pledge to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its nationalized SDG targets, with a focus on the quality of health and education, good governance and rule of law, public service provision, and effective response and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It totals an amount of 282 million USD for the full cycle. In his speech at the signing ceremony, Mr Ahmetaj praised the current cooperation between Albania and UN and pledged continuous support for cooperation with UN: “As we complete a successful cycle of joint work with UN agencies in Albania, we are ready to renew our commitment to sustainable development” – he said. On behalf of nineteen resident and non-resident UN agencies and programmes in Albania, the UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney reiterated the principal areas of work of the new Cooperation Framework and the urgency of action to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals: “In the spirit of our joint action is our commitment to fight poverty, promote human rights and gender equality, protect the environment and tackle climate change, support economic and social reforms” she noted (read full speech here). The UN day is celebrated worldwide on 24 October of each year to mark the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document the United Nations officially came into being. This year the celebrations of UN day in Albania take place as Albania takes up mandate in the UN Security Council for the next two years. In the words of Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs HE Olta Xhaçka, who delivered the keynote speech at the event, the SC mandate “is a prestigious achievement that shows the maturity of Albanian diplomacy and a recognition of the constructive role of Albania in terms of security, stability and development”. HE Xhaçka appreciated the role of the UN system in Albania in taking forward the commitments of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Watch a short video showcasing some of the achievements of the Albania-UN cooperation and the way forward: *** More details on the Albania-UN Cooperation framework for Sustainable Development 2022-2026 On January 1, 2022, a new Albania-UN Cooperation Framework comes into force. It offers a tremendous opportunity to scale up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and demonstrate concrete results on the ground for the people of Albania. This Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF) between the Government of Albania and the UN system is anchored by country priorities: The National Strategy for Development and Integration (NSDI) with nationalized goals and targets for selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Six priorities of the new Government vision ‘Albania 2030’ Accession to the European Union, The human rights commitments of Albania and other agreed international and regional development goals and treaty obligations Strategic Priority A. Human capital development & social inclusion Outcome A. By 2026, there is increased and more equitable investment in people, removing barriers and creating opportunities for those at risk of exclusion Strategic Priority B. Sustainable, resilient and green economic growth and resource management Outcome B: By 2026, innovative and integrated policy solutions accelerate sustainable, productive and inclusive economic development, enhancing climate change adaptation and mitigation and transition to a green and blue economy Strategic Priority C. Effective, people-centred governance, rule of law, human rights and gender equality Outcome C1: By 2026, governance is more transparent and accountable, enabling people (women and girls, men and boys, and persons at risk of exclusion) to enjoy quality, inclusive services, enhanced rule of law and access to justice in line with Albania’s human rights commitments Outcome C2: By 2026, gender responsive governance strengthens equality and non-discrimination, promotes women’s empowerment and human rights, and reduces violence against women and children. *** Download the Press Release in Albanian

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17 August 2026

The Bridge Builders: Albania's Youth Confront a Region's Old Wounds

In a region where old divisions still shape daily life, a quiet shift is underway — led not by politicians or diplomats, but by hundreds of young people with cameras, microphones, and an unshakeable belief that dialogue can outlast division.It is called “Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust” — a joint regional project of UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women, and UNESCO, implemented across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo*. Its premise is deceptively simple: that in a region still living with the legacies of the past, of ethnic segregation, of hardened identities passed from one generation to the next, young people are not merely beneficiaries of peace — they are its architects."Young people are strategic actors in addressing structural fragility, strengthening social cohesion, and enhancing trust in institutions," says Ms. Pipa, Deputy Minister of Albania's Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports. For the Ministry, youth empowerment is not a side project tucked into sectoral policy — it is, in her words, “a cross-cutting investment in the country's long-term stability, one aligned with the 2030 Agenda, the Youth, Peace and Security agenda, and Albania's EU accession path.”"Our cooperation with the UN agencies is vital in addressing key drivers of fragility — gender-based discrimination, declining trust between youth and institutions — and it contributes directly to peacebuilding and social cohesion, both nationally and regionally." A Region Still Writing Its StoryTo understand why this matters, it helps to understand what came before. Over the past three decades, Albania and its neighbors have moved through the collapse of communism, the disintegration of Yugoslavia, and the conflicts that followed. Peace agreements and constitutional reforms eventually pulled most of the region back from the brink. But deeper the work of trust — was never finished.Divisive narratives still circulate online, in classrooms, at political rallies, feeding off old grievances and new anxieties alike. Youth emigration has hollowed out communities, leaving behind young people who inherited a fractured past without necessarily choosing it. Traditional gender norms and toxic masculinity — intensified, not eased, by the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic — continue to fuel hate speech, much of it misogynistic, much of it aimed at anyone who challenges the "other."Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust project was built to answer exactly this moment: a regional promise that fact-based, constructive narratives — carried by the young people who will inherit this region — can do what politics alone cannot. During the first phase of the project, youth councils were strengthened, young leaders were trained and supported to design their own anti-hate-speech projects, and hundreds of young Albanians — many from hard-to-reach communities — were trained in conflict transformation and gender equality through peace education.A year-long public campaign, "Words Kill! Think Carefully!", carried that work into classrooms, newsrooms, and sports fields — from journalism training at the University of Tirana to inclusive basketball tournaments with Special Olympics Albania. Along the way, young Albanians took their experience regional and global, from Western Balkans youth assemblies to the UN General Assembly itself. If Phase I built the scaffolding, the events that followed showed what happens when young people start climbing it themselves. Across municipalities, dozens of young people were trained in peacebuilding y-peer and bystander-intervention methods — and the results held up months later: most said they'd actually used the skills in daily life, and nearly half had gone on to take their own initiative in peacebuilding."We didn't just learn how to name a stereotype," one young fellow from the programme underlined. "We learned how to stand in the room when someone else is being targeted, and actually say something. That's the part nobody teaches you." That same ambition to build the region's future leadership runs through the project's new Regional Youth Peacebuilding Fellowship — a platform built to grow leaders who see the whole region, not just their hometown, as their constituency. From over 50 applicants across the Western Balkans, a cohort of fellows was selected and has already begun regional training together. "For the first time, I'm not just fixing something in my own city," said one fellow after a regional gathering. "I'm sitting across from people from five other countries, and we're arguing about the same problems, and somehow that argument feels like hope."That energy is beginning to show up in policy, not just in training rooms. Municipal officers have been trained, action plans drafted— a signal that this isn't just grassroots momentum, but a shift starting to take hold in government itself.
Alongside it, a third strand of the project is about voice: young journalists producing constructive media content across the region, and a youth performance collective taking peacebuilding messages to diverse audiences.For the United Nations, Albania's experiment carries weight well beyond its borders. This investment in peace is central to the Charter of the United Nations," said Ingrid Macdonald, the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania, describing the support the project has received from the Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Support Office. She noted that the project's sub-regional design — a single project stitched across six countries and territories — has become a kind of laboratory due to its unique nature."It is important to learn from it," she said, "and to take the sub-regional learning into the global peace environment, particularly in a period when the world is changing.""It is a joint project of UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women and UNESCO, which signifies the one UN approach," she said. "There can be no peace without implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security and Women, Peace and Security agendas — their mainstreaming is very important."This is not a finish line but a compounding effect — training turning into teaching, plans turning into policy, six countries and territories starting to treat each other's problems as their own. At its core, this is not a sectoral programme, but a conviction that trust between generations and neighbors is not inherited but built. Six countries and territories are learning, slowly, to treat reconciliation not as a debt owed to the past but as an investment in the future they share.The Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust project is a joint project of UNDP, UNFPA, UN Women, and UNESCO, implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Kosovo financed by the UN Peacebuilding Fund *All references to Kosovo are understood to be in the context of UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).

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14 July 2026

From Protection to Empowerment: How LEAP Is Opening Pathways to Jobs, Care and Opportunity Across Albania

Through the UN Joint Programme “Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania” — LEAP, these individual changes are becoming part of a broader systems shift: connecting social protection, care services, skills development and employment pathways so that people facing vulnerability can access support, build resilience and contribute to Albania’s development.Launched in 2024 and funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund, LEAP supports Albania’s national priorities to strengthen social protection, expand decent work, promote lifelong learning and advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and European integration.The results are already visible.Across the country, 864 households receiving economic aid have accessed integrated care and support services. Some 1,600 children have benefited from universal home visiting and related services that help reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen family wellbeing. A further 643 at-risk adolescents have received training in digital, financial, green and soft skills, while 357 women and young people have transitioned into employment through training, counselling and job-placement initiatives in tourism, hospitality, care services and other sectors.Behind these numbers are people, families and communities.From Graduate to EntrepreneurWhen 25-year-old Marko Guri graduated with a degree in economics, he expected the labour market to welcome him. Instead, he spent months looking for opportunities and trying to understand how to turn his interest in tourism into a career.Today, Marko is no longer only looking for work. He is building a business. Through LEAP, supported by UNDP together with national and local partners, Marko enrolled in a certified Tourist Guide training course at the Professional School “Shën Jozefi Punëtor” in Lezha.The training, followed by a traineeship with a local business, gave him more than technical knowledge. It connected him to practical experience, local employers and a growing tourism network. Shortly after completing the course, Marko secured employment with a local tourism agency through Albania’s Youth Guarantee Programme.But employment was only the beginning.“The course helped me understand that I could do more than find a job,” Marko says. “It helped me see that I could create one.”Together with his brother, he launched Hidden Routes Albania, a tourism agency offering small-group experiences across some of Albania’s most beautiful destinations — from Theth and Qafë Thore to the Shala River, Spaç Prison and cultural heritage sites in Mirdita.Guiding visitors in English, Marko now welcomes tourists from across Europe and Asia. What began as a training opportunity has become a pathway to entrepreneurship.His story reflects the wider potential of Albania’s tourism and hospitality sector: when young people gain market-relevant skills and are connected to employers, they are better able to build livelihoods, support local economies and contribute to sustainable tourism.Connecting Care with OpportunityIn Elbasan, Anxhela’s journey began from a very different place.As the primary caregiver for her mother, who lives with disabilities, and as a source of support for her younger sister, Anxhela carried responsibilities that left little space for her own plans.“At one point, I felt like my future had disappeared,” she says.Through LEAP, UNICEF, in partnership with IRCA NGO and the Municipality of Elbasan, supported Anxhela’s access to integrated social services for vulnerable children and families.What began with psychosocial counselling became a turning point. The counselling sessions helped her rebuild confidence. Employment counselling and soft-skills training equipped her with practical tools for entering the labour market. Communication skills, interview preparation and professional coaching helped transform self-doubt into readiness. When a vacancy opened at ELBA-Fiore 2022 sh.p.k., Anxhela applied, interviewed successfully and secured employment.“This job gave me back my future,” she says. “For years I only saw problems. Now I see possibilities.”The support extended beyond employment. Through the same integrated service model, her mother received home-based physiotherapy that improved her mobility and quality of life, while her younger sister continued receiving support through the programme’s network of services.For Anxhela, the change was not only economic.“It showed me that asking for support is not weakness,” she says. “Sometimes it is the first step towards building a different future.”Her experience shows why integrated services matter. When care, counselling, skills development and employment support work together, families are better able to move from vulnerability towards resilience.Supporting Formalization and Decent WorkIn Korça, Gëzim Shehu’s experience highlights another important dimension of inclusion: formalization.For years, he rented out his family apartment to tourists during holidays and peak travel seasons. Although tourism had become an important source of income, he did not see himself as part of the tourism industry.“I thought formalization was only for hotels and large guesthouses,” he says. Like many individual hosts, Gëzim was uncertain about registration requirements, regulations and administrative procedures. This uncertainty kept him from formalizing his activity.Through ILO-supported work under LEAP to promote formalization and decent work in tourism, local operators received information, guidance and practical support to navigate the process.Gëzim’s hesitation reflects a wider pattern among short-term rental operators in Korça. Recent findings show that while awareness of regulatory obligations is relatively high, compliance remains lower because of financial concerns, uncertainty around tax obligations and the perceived administrative burden. In fact, 41 per cent of apartment and villa operators surveyed had never engaged with formal registration processes, even though many found them easier once attempted.Once Gëzim understood that individual hosts could register accommodation through a simplified process, he completed the necessary steps through e-Albania.“The process turned out to be much easier than I imagined,” he says. “I just needed the right information.”Today, Gëzim operates with greater confidence and a stronger understanding of his role in Korça’s growing tourism economy.“Before, I thought I was simply renting an apartment,” he explains. “Now I realize that I am also representing my city and contributing to its development.”His experience shows how practical information, municipal engagement and support to small operators can help bridge the gap between awareness and action — contributing to more formal, inclusive and sustainable local economies.Turning Unpaid Care into a Pathway to EntrepreneurshipFor Adelina Kurti, 32, and Marinela Tora, 31, unpaid care work had long left little room to imagine a different future. While Adelina cared for her daughter and her husband’s elderly parents, Marinela devoted her days to raising her two children.Photo and Caption neededToday, the two women are taking their first steps as entrepreneurs through AdelMar Handmade, a start-up they created together after participating in a series of training sessions delivered by UN Women under the LEAP Joint Programme.Through sessions on tourism products, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, they gained practical skills to develop new products, calculate costs and transform an idea into a viable business. Adelina and Marinela are among 147 women who have strengthened their skills through these training programmes, gaining not only the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship, but also the opportunity to connect with other women, build professional networks and learn how to turn business ideas into reality.Among the women who have benefited so far, 112 are unpaid caregivers, demonstrating how targeted support can help women facing some of the greatest barriers to economic participation.For Adelina and Marinela, the training created space to begin imagining a future beyond unpaid care responsibilities and to recognize the economic value of their creativity, skills and experience.Their journey reflects UN Women’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment by equipping rural women with the knowledge, confidence, networks and opportunities they need to move from unpaid care work towards employment and entrepreneurship.Building Systems That Leave No One BehindMarko, Anxhela, Gëzim, Adelina and Marinela began from different circumstances, but their experiences point to the same lesson: people are more likely to move forward when services, institutions and opportunities work together.LEAP supports Albania’s efforts to expand social protection, strengthen care services and create decent jobs, particularly for women, young people, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, unpaid caregivers and vulnerable families.The programme is helping advance reforms such as a Universal Child Benefit, piloting Long-Term Care models, strengthening integrated family-centred services and improving pathways from social assistance and unpaid care towards employment and entrepreneurship.This is the added value of a joint UN approach. UNDP, UNICEF, ILO and UN Women bring complementary expertise across employment, entrepreneurship, social protection, child and family services, gender equality, decent work and local development. Together with national institutions, municipalities, civil society, training providers and the private sector, LEAP is helping connect protection with empowerment.From Marko’s tourism enterprise in Lezha, to Anxhela’s employment and renewed confidence in Elbasan, Gëzim’s transition into the formal economy in Korça, and Adelina and Marinela’s journey from unpaid care work towards entrepreneurship, these stories demonstrate what becomes possible when social protection, care, skills development, gender-responsive support and employment opportunities are linked.They are more than individual success stories.Together, they show how Albania is building more inclusive systems that help people not only overcome vulnerability, but also realize their potential — advancing national priorities, accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that no one is left behind.***The “Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania” (LEAP) Joint Programme is implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, ILO and UN Women, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation.Funded by the UN Joint SDG Fund, LEAP serves as Albania’s flagship contribution to the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, helping to connect social protection, care services, skills development and employment pathways into a coherent system that expands opportunities for the most vulnerable.We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following contributing governments, whose commitment is helping Albania build more inclusive social protection systems, expand decent employment opportunities and ensure that no one is left behind: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

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30 June 2026

More Than a Case File: Law Students Discover the Human Side of Refugee Protection

For fifth-year law students Megi and Paola from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana, a two-month internship with Refugees and Migrants Services in Albania (RMSA), UNHCR's partner, offered an opportunity to experience refugee protection beyond the classroom. Undertaken through the Faculty's Legal Clinic, the internship forms part of the ongoing cooperation between UNHCR and the University of Tirana to strengthen knowledge and practical understanding of refugee law among future legal professionals. The initiative is supported through the EU-funded Regional Support to Protection-Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans (PSMM III) project. Like many law students, Megi and Paola had previously studied refugee law, international protection principles and key international conventions during their academic studies. Yet, until this experience, their understanding remained largely theoretical."At university, we learned about conventions, legal principles and rights," they explained. "But the internship helped us understand how these frameworks are applied in practice and the challenges that can emerge during implementation."During the internship, the students worked alongside RMSA's legal officer, supporting legal research and case preparation while fully respecting confidentiality and data protection safeguards. They assisted with legal analysis, background research and the preparation of case materials, gaining valuable insight into the work that supports asylum-seekers and refugees in Albania.One area they found particularly engaging was researching Country of Origin Information (COI), an important component of refugee status determination. Through this process, they learned how legal professionals gather and assess information from multiple sources to better understand the circumstances that may have forced people to flee their countries and seek protection elsewhere.The experience also revealed how complex the practical application of the law can be."What surprised us most was how small details can become major issues in the implementation of the law and create bottlenecks in the process," they reflected. "It helped us understand that refugee protection is not only about legal provisions, but also about procedures and ensuring that safeguards work in practice."For both students, however, the most memorable part of the internship was not found in legal documents or case files. A visit to Albania's Reception Centre for Asylum offered an opportunity to better understand the daily realities faced by people seeking protection. Walking through the facility, seeing where residents live and learning more about their experiences helped transform abstract legal concepts into human realities."Studying refugee law in the classroom is one thing. Visiting the Reception Centre and seeing where people live, hearing about their experiences and putting yourself in their shoes makes you understand the human side of the law in a completely different way," they said.Until then, refugee law had largely existed as a body of legislation, conventions and legal principles. Meeting people affected by displacement helped them appreciate the direct impact that legal systems and protection mechanisms can have on people's lives.The internship also allowed the students to develop skills they had not expected to gain. Beyond traditional legal research, they learned how to assess complex information, analyse country conditions and understand the importance of precision and attention to detail when working on cases involving people seeking asylum and safety.Most importantly, the experience reinforced their determination to use their legal education in service of others. Inspired by the people they met and the work they observed, both Megi and Paola expressed an interest in remaining engaged through volunteer initiatives and future professional opportunities that combine legal expertise with humanitarian action. Whether through legal aid, human rights, refugee protection, public service or international organizations, they hope to apply their skills in contexts where they can make a meaningful contribution to people in vulnerable situations.Their experience reflects the broader objective of the partnership between UNHCR, RMSA, and the University of Tirana: connecting academic learning with practical experience and encouraging future legal professionals to engage with refugee protection and access to justice. Through legal clinics and internships, students are not only building professional skills but also gaining a deeper appreciation of the people and stories behind the law. For Megi and Paola, graduation now represents more than the start of a legal career. It marks the beginning of a journey shaped by a deeper understanding of refugee protection and the people at its heart. As they look toward the future, they hope to use their legal knowledge not only to interpret the law, but to ensure it fulfils its highest purpose: protecting rights, upholding dignity and helping people rebuild their lives with safety and hope.

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29 June 2026

Albania and the United Nations Sign New Cooperation Framework to Advance Sustainable Development and National Priorities from 2027-2031

The Government of the Republic of Albania and the United Nations today signed the Albania–United Nations Cooperation Framework 2027–2031, reaffirming their joint commitment to advance Albania's sustainable development and the well-being of the people and planet across the country. The Framework was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu on behalf of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania, and United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania Ingrid Macdonald, in the presence of senior Government officials and the full United Nations Country Team.The agreement is guided by Albania's national priorities and international commitments, including: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Albania National SDG Roadmap; the National Strategy for Development and European Integration 2022–2030; Albania's EU accession process, the Economic Reform Programme 2025–2027; and Albania's obligations under international law, including human rights, labour standards, environmental agreements, and Council of Europe instruments. It was informed by a comprehensive Country Analysis, the Final Evaluation of the previous 2022–2026 Cooperation Framework, and targeted consultations with more than 600 stakeholders — including national institutions, municipalities, civil society, youth, women, Roma and Egyptian communities, persons with disabilities, academia, and the private sector.The Government of the Republic of Albania and the United Nations commit to working together across three priority areas:1. Inclusive Human Capital Development
Strengthening equitable access to quality health, education, social protection, and child protection systems; expanding future-ready skills and decent work opportunities; and combating violence against women and children — with a focus on those at greatest risk of being left behind.2. Sustainable Economic Transformation and Inclusive Green Growth
Advancing higher productivity, competitiveness, and value creation through green and digital business models; supporting SME upgrading, agrifood transformation, and climate-resilient development; and promoting an inclusive, gender-responsive economic transition aligned with EU standards.3. Governance, Justice and Human Rights
Strengthening effective, transparent, and accountable institutions; expanding access to justice and legal aid; upholding human rights and gender equality; combating corruption, organised crime, and cybercrime; and ensuring safe, orderly, and rights-based migration and diaspora governance. Drawing on the lessons of the 2022–2026 cycle, the new Cooperation Framework consolidates four outcomes and 22 outputs to three strategic outcomes and 11 outputs — sharpening the United Nations' collective contribution, reducing fragmentation, and strengthening coherence across all 20 participating entities for the period 2027-2031. The Leave No One Behind principle is operationalised as a practical delivery approach across all three priority areas, with equity-focused monitoring, disaggregated data, and targeted support for Roma and Egyptian communities, rural populations, persons with disabilities, youth, migrants, and other marginalised groups. The Cooperation Framework has by a projected resource envelope of approximately USD 227 million over 2027–2031, with 20 United Nations signatory entities. Approximately USD 84 million has been secured as of 1 June 2026. The Government of Albania, the European Union, international financial institutions, bilateral partners, civil society, and the private sector are central to the partnership. The Albania SDG Acceleration Fund, co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and the United Nations Resident Coordinator through the Joint Executive Committee, will serve as a central platform for integrated joint programming. Voices"The signing of the Albania–United Nations Cooperation Framework 2027–2031 reaffirms our strong partnership with the United Nations at a critical stage of our country's development and European integration journey. This Framework will support our national priorities and reform agenda, while ensuring that progress delivers tangible benefits for people, communities, and future generations across Albania."— Albana Koçiu, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania"This Cooperation Framework reflects our shared commitment to an inclusive, prosperous, people and planet centered Albania — where children learn and thrive, young people gain skills for tomorrow’s economies, women and men access decent opportunities, communities are more resilient and future generations benefit from a clean and green environment. The United Nations is proud to stand alongside Albania as a strategic partner in this journey, and we are determined that no one is left behind."— Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania About the Cooperation FrameworkThe United Nations Cooperation Framework is the primary instrument through which the United Nations system plans and implements its development support at country level. In Albania, the 2027–2031 Framework is co-owned by the Government and the United Nations, guided by the Joint Executive Committee co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Resident Coordinator, and implemented through Results Groups and Joint Work Plans. A final independent evaluation will be conducted at the end of the cycle.

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24 June 2026

Restored Heritage Sites Bring Culture, Creativity and Communities Together

On the evening of 15 June, the restored cultural landmarks of Durrës became the setting for a unique experience that brought together history, art and international dialogue. Members of the diplomatic community explored the Archaeological Museum of Durrës before gathering at the Venetian Tower for a contemporary dance performance. The evening illustrated how heritage sites restored through the EU4Culture programme have taken on a renewed role beyond preserving the past. Once damaged by the 2019 earthquake, these landmarks now serve as vibrant spaces where culture, education and creativity come together, welcoming visitors to experience heritage in new and engaging ways. The performance at the Venetian Tower offered audiences a first glimpse of RADIAN, a new contemporary dance production created by choreographer Edi Blloshmi with original music by Robert Bisha. Blending movement, sound, memory and transformation, the performance marked the first chapter of a larger artistic journey that will culminate in its world premiere as a full two evening production at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania. Supported by the European Union and the EU4Culture programme, the production reflects the connection between restored heritage, contemporary artistic creation and the next generation of performers. As the EU4Culture programme comes to a close, events like this reflect the lasting legacy of the European Union's investment in Albania's cultural heritage. Implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, the programme has not only restored historic landmarks but also helped transform them into vibrant cultural venues where history, creativity and communities come together. These renewed spaces will continue to inspire cultural exchange, artistic expression and public engagement for years to come.

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Press Release

13 July 2026

Albania's 2030 Horizon: Turning Reforms into Results for People

On 14 July 2026, Albania will present its Second Voluntary National Review at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York. Voluntary National Reviews are the principal mechanism through which countries assess and share their progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As the 2030 deadline approaches, this is more than a reporting milestone. It is a moment of accountability: an opportunity to examine what has changed since Albania's first review in 2018, where progress is visible, where gaps remain, and what must now be accelerated.For Albania, the Sustainable Development Goals and European integration converge around a single national horizon: 2030. The two agendas share the same ambition - stronger institutions, better public services, a more competitive and sustainable economy, greater equality, environmental sustainability, and a society in which no one is left behind.The review was led by the State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC), under the strategic guidance of the Deputy Prime Minister, with essential contributions from INSTAT, line ministries, Parliament, the United Nations in Albania, development partners, civil society, the private sector, academia, young people and adolescents. It reflects a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort.Since Albania's first Voluntary National Review, the country has strengthened the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals into national planning, budgeting and monitoring. The National Strategy for Development and European Integration 2022-2030 provides the overarching development framework, while the National SDG Roadmap 2025-2030 offers a practical tool for the final stretch, with measurable targets, clearer responsibilities and stronger links between planning, financing and results.This is how reform becomes systemic change. The Sustainable Development Goals are no longer treated as a separate global agenda. They are increasingly embedded in Albania's own development architecture - in national strategies, indicators, institutional responsibilities and policy priorities. This alignment is essential if the country is to move from commitments to implementation at scale.The European Union accession process has become one of Albania's strongest accelerators of sustainable development. Reforms in the rule of law, public administration, anti-corruption, public financial management, economic competitiveness, climate action, social inclusion and digital transformation also advance the Sustainable Development Goals. They strengthen institutions, build trust and bring Albania closer to the standards and opportunities its citizens expect.With all six negotiation clusters open and the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report approved, the Albanian Government has set the ambition of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027 and being prepared for European Union membership by 2030. In this context, Albania sees the 2030 Agenda and European integration as two dimensions of the same transformation, working together to deliver a more prosperous, inclusive and resilient future.Albania's progress has taken place in a demanding context. Since the first review in 2018, the country has faced major and overlapping challenges: the devastating 2019 earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, global inflationary pressures, instability in energy markets, geopolitical uncertainty and growing climate-related risks. Each of these shocks tested institutions, public finances and social resilience.Despite these pressures, Albania has demonstrated strong resilience. The economy returned to positive growth after the pandemic, macroeconomic stability has been strengthened, public debt has fallen below 60 per cent of GDP, foreign direct investment has reached record levels, and institutional, social and environmental reforms have continued. These achievements reflect the country's determination to remain focused on long-term development, even during periods of global uncertainty.The results are visible. According to the Sustainable Development Report 2026, Albania has continued to improve its performance and ranks 44th globally, placing it among the leading performers in the Western Balkans. Progress has been recorded across the SDG framework, although its pace and depth vary across goals. Important gains have been made in poverty reduction, renewable energy, infrastructure development, digital transformation and institutional modernisation.Several achievements demonstrate how reform can reach citizens directly. More than 95 per cent of public services are now delivered online through e-Albania, improving access, efficiency, transparency and accountability. Sanitation coverage has expanded, health outcomes have improved, and education reforms are increasingly focused on quality, skills, digitalisation and labour-market relevance. Access to electricity is universal, while renewable electricity generation remains a national strength. Investments in solar and wind energy are helping to diversify supply and increase resilience.Gender equality has advanced both as a standalone priority and as a cross-cutting condition for sustainable development. Women hold 35 per cent of parliamentary seats and 44 per cent of ministerial positions. Gender-responsive budgeting is increasingly embedded in public financial management, with gender objectives and indicators incorporated into 65 per cent of budget programmes across 11 ministries and 31 public institutions. It is applied in key sectors, including education, health, employment, agriculture, social protection, justice and local governance. Mechanisms to address gender-based violence now operate in all 61 municipalities. These achievements matter because equality is about rights, safety, economic participation and equal opportunity.Albania's Voluntary National Review is also candid about the unfinished agenda. Progress remains uneven. Poverty and social exclusion continue to affect some groups more than others. Children, women, older persons, persons with disabilities, Roma and Egyptian communities, rural populations, migrants and others who face barriers to participation still experience unequal access to opportunities. Territorial disparities, demographic change, migration, skills gaps, labour-market transformation, climate change and environmental pressures require faster, better coordinated and more adequately financed action.The principle of leaving no one behind must therefore remain at the centre of Albania's next phase of development. Progress must be measured through real change in people's lives: whether a child in a rural area can access quality education; whether a young person can gain relevant skills and find decent work; whether a woman can participate equally in the economy and public life; whether a person with disabilities can access services with dignity; whether members of Roma and Egyptian communities benefit equally from growth and public services; and whether older persons can live in security and with respect.Strong partnerships and better data will be essential. Albania's progress is supported by cooperation among government institutions, Parliament, local authorities, civil society, academia, the private sector, development partners and the United Nations system. More than 70 per cent of SDG indicators are now available or partially available. Continued investment in disaggregated data, interoperability and administrative data systems will help identify who is being left behind, where inequalities persist and which policies are producing results.The period to 2030 will be decisive. The Review identifies a set of priority accelerators for 2026-2030: accelerating European Union accession reforms and strengthening institutional effectiveness; investing in human capital, skills, health and demographic resilience; advancing climate action, environmental sustainability and disaster resilience; expanding digital transformation, innovation and data-driven governance; and strengthening social inclusion, territorial cohesion and implementation of the principle of leaving no one behind.The role of the United Nations is to support this national ambition by contributing data, global standards, technical expertise, convening power and a consistent focus on those most at risk of being left behind. The United Nations in Albania supported the Voluntary National Review through consultations, SDG indicator mapping, data analysis and alignment with international guidance. More broadly, it works with the Government, civil society, communities and development partners to translate global commitments into practical support for Albania's sustainable development priorities.This partnership is most valuable when it helps move from individual projects to stronger systems, from activities to measurable results, and from isolated interventions to lasting institutional change. Whether supporting social protection, skills development, gender equality, climate resilience, governance, human rights, data systems or local service delivery, the shared objective is the same: to help Albania deliver tangible progress for people and communities.The findings and priorities emerging from the Review will also help guide the implementation of the new United Nations Cooperation Framework for Albania 2027-2031. This will ensure that United Nations support during the next programming cycle is fully aligned with Albania's priorities for the final years of the 2030 Agenda. The Framework will focus on inclusive and resilient economic development, human capital, good governance and the rule of law, climate resilience and environmental sustainability, gender equality, and the commitment to leave no one behind. In this way, it will provide coherent support as Albania advances simultaneously towards the 2030 Agenda and European Union membership.Albania's Second Voluntary National Review presents a country that has advanced, learned and adapted. It also reflects a clear understanding of the urgency of the years ahead. Together, the 2030 Agenda and European integration offer Albania a powerful opportunity to build a future that is more prosperous, fairer, more competitive, more inclusive, greener and more resilient.That is Albania's 2030 horizon: turning reforms into results, commitments into better lives, and sustainable development into progress that reaches everyone.

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