Following a week of inspiring events marking United Nations Day 2025 in Albania, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the UN team, partners, and friends who helped make these celebrations so meaningful. Together, we truly embodied the spirit of Delivering as One.The celebrations were especially significant as the world marks the 80-year anniversary of the United Nations and Albania celebrates 70 years as a member state of the UN  — milestones that remind us of the importance of our shared humanity and commitment to peace, partnership, and progress.UN DAY RECEPTION (Read full story here)On 24 October, hosted by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Albania, we gathered together with the government, diplomatic core and key stakeholders to reflect on the continued importance of multilateralism, dialogue and peace.  The event opened with a video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, reminding us that today’s global challenges — from climate change to conflict and inequality — can only be solved through unity and collective action. His call to “stand together to fulfill the extraordinary promise of the United Nations” set a powerful tone for the evening. Following the message, I was pleased to address the audience alongside Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Vilma Premti and Youth Delegate Alesia Dodaj. Together, we highlighted our importance of building a more peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive world.   The sight of UN and Albanian flags lining Tirana’s main boulevard was also a moving symbol of partnership and solidarity — admired by thousands across the capital. 🎶 “BETTER TOGETHER” – CONCERT FOR PEACE AND SOLIDARITYThat evening, UN Albania, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, hosted the concert Better Together — an artistic tribute to the mission and ideals of the YN Charter. As part of Tirana’s International Cultural Weeks, the event featured Albanian and international artists who celebrated the values and principles set out in the UN Charter - through music, poetry, and spoken word.     On behalf of the UN team in Albania, my sincere thanks to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports for their collaboration and support in making this celebration possible. The energy, creativity, and sense of unity in the room truly reflected the best of our collective spirit — and reminded us that we are, indeed, better together. 🎓 INVESTING IN ALBANIA’S FUTURE – HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCEOn the morning of UN Day, hosted by the College of Europe Tirana campus, together with the EU Delegation and the World Bank, we convened academia, policymakers, and development partners to explore how education, skills, and knowledge can drive Albania’s sustainable development and EU path.As I shared during the event: “Investing in people is at the heart of Albania’s sustainable development and European future. Academia is key to this journey — for evidence, data, knowledge, and skills.” My thanks also to UNICEF Albania for leading this effort on behalf of the UN team.      Read the full story on this conference here.💬 READ OUR JOINT OP-ED WITH EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and World Bank Representative Massimiliano Paolucci on why Albania’s strength lies in its people:🔗 [Read in English]🔗 [Lexoni në shqip] 💜 SWEDEN–UN PARTNERSHIP TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (EVAW II)Just ahead of UN Day, we were also proud to renew our partnership with the Embassy of Sweden and the Government of Albania to extend the UN Joint Programme to End Violence Against Women until 2027.This extension reaffirms our shared commitment for ensuring that every woman and girl in Albania can live free from violence and discrimination.Led by UN Women, with UNDP and UNFPA, and supported by SIDA, the programme continues to strengthen prevention, protection, legal reform, and social norm transformation — a clear example of our whole-of-society approach in action. (Read the full story here)🌍 LOOKING AHEAD – WORLD SOCIAL SUMMIT 2025, DOHANext week, I will travel to Doha for the World Social Summit 2025, joining a high-level delegation from Albania led by President Bajram Begaj, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Salla, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani, and Albania’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Suela Janina.It is such an exciting moment for Albania to be among the pathfinder countries for social protection, especially as the nation advances on its EU accession journey. We look forward to sharing Albania’s experience and deepening partnerships to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.Read more about the Doha Social Summit. ***As we close this memorable week, I want to express my deep gratitude to all who contributed — colleagues across the UN Country Team, government, partners, academia, artists, and friends. Your dedication and teamwork continue to strengthen our partnership for a fairer, greener, and more inclusive future.

The new interactive GIS dashboard makes this easier than ever, mapping UN sustainable development activities across the 12 Administrative Units (Prefectures) of the country for 2024 (actual) and 2025 (planned), based on Joint Work Plan (JWP) sub-output data.Explore the dashboard here: UN Albania GIS DashboardDeveloped in-house by our RCO Economist Aljaz Kuncic, with the expert support of Kazandra Zelaya, Online UNV, the dashboard features a user-friendly interface and multiple filters. Users can explore activities by Outcome Area, Agency/Fund/Programme (AFP), Country, Municipality, and Administrative Unit—individually or in combination. The map and visuals update instantly, showing the number of JWP sub-outputs, making it a powerful tool for planning, analysis, and field engagement. “The dashboard is designed to inform anyone interested, including our government partners, development partners—and even ourselves—during field visits, by providing a clear picture of ongoing activities in specific districts,” says Aljaz Kuncic. “It also strengthens inter-agency collaboration by highlighting active projects, revealing potential synergies, and enabling better-aligned programming.”The dashboard provides the necessary tools to calculate or indicate the volume of sub-outputs per agency based on the selected filters. A detailed table below the map lists the relevant sub-outputs and AFPs, giving an actionable overview and a quick entry point for follow-up. Users can focus on a single Outcome Area, one agency, or a specific geographic level—or combine these for a targeted perspective.“This is a beta version, and improvements will continue” says Aljaz.  “I invite colleagues and partners to explore the dashboard, share feedback, and help strengthen this tool for advocacy, transparency, and data-driven coordination of UN development efforts in Albania.”For more information, contact Aljaz at kuncic@un.org.

In the face of economic uncertainty and widespread youth emigration, a quiet but powerful movement is taking root across Albania’s rural heartland. A growing number of young Albanians are choosing not to leave—but to stay, return, and invest in the land, traditions, and people that shaped them. Among these changemakers are Jetmira Kajoshi and Eri Strana, two inspiring entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to succeed in Albania—on their own terms, and in harmony with nature.Their journeys have been supported by UNIDO Albania through the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP), funded by the Swiss Government (SECO) aiming to empower small producers and youth-led enterprises by strengthening quality infrastructure, promoting sustainable production, and enhancing access to national and international markets. Through targeted technical assistance, certification support, and branding initiatives such as the Local Baskets, GQSP Albania is helping young entrepreneurs like Jetmira and Eri turn passion into profession, and local knowledge into globally competitive products.Together, their stories reflect a broader transformation—one where rural youth are not just beneficiaries of development but active drivers of it, building a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for Albania.Jetmira Kajoshi with her daughter and “Natyra Ime” – A soap that tells a story In a quiet corner of northern Albania, where fields of medicinal and aromatic plants stretch among wild herbs and traditions run deep, Jetmira Kajoshi and her daughter are building something truly meaningful—one bar of soap at a time. Jetmira is the founder and driving force behind Natyra Ime (which translates to My Nature), a small but passionate artisanal business that crafts natural soaps made from olive oil and locally sourced medicinal and aromatic plants.Lavender, sage, mountain tea, rose petals, orange peel, and cinnamon are just a few of the ingredients they transform into skin-friendly, aromatic soaps that reflect not only the healing power of nature, but also the values of sustainable living and local identity. Each product is handmade using traditional methods, without industrial chemicals or artificial fragrances, ensuring that what reaches the customer is pure, authentic, and deeply connected to the land.“Our goal has always been to create a zero-kilometer product—something local, eco-friendly, and rooted in our traditions,” Jetmira explains.
“We’re not just selling soap—we’re telling the story of our region, its biodiversity, and its people.”Indeed, for Jetmira, each soap is more than a personal care item—it’s a cultural ambassador. It represents the unseen labor of women in rural communities, who gather and dry herbs by hand. It speaks to the richness of Albania’s medicinal plant heritage, passed down through generations. And it serves as a symbol of how small businesses, when guided by purpose and care, can contribute to sustainable rural development.Jetmira, together with her daughter, participated in the “Branding and Marketing” training organized by GQSP, where she gained practical knowledge and skills to strengthen her brand image and better promote her products in the market. She is also part of GQSP’s initiative to certify her products, as well as the programme’s “Local Baskets” initiative. These forms of support have provided Natyra Ime not only with increased visibility and branding benefits but also with technical guidance to meet international quality standards. Jetmira is now preparing to obtain certifications, which will enable her to enter broader markets and export her products with confidence. What sets Natyra Ime apart is its commitment to community empowerment, sustainability, and storytelling through product design. From the packaging to the ingredients, every detail is intentional. Jetmira sources her herbs from local producers, many of them women, and encourages others to see nature not just as a resource, but as something to protect and cherish.Her journey is a reminder that innovation and impact don’t always come from big cities or big companies—they often begin in the most rooted, humble places, led by women who believe in the value of their land, their people, and their craft.Eri Strana – From the American Dream to Albanian Soil: A Journey of Return, Purpose, and Sustainable GrowthIn the rolling hills of Korçë, a region known for its fertile land and cool climate, Eri Strana is cultivating much more than medicinal and aromatic plants—he is cultivating hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of belonging. His story embodies the true meaning of local youth action, illustrating how the journey of migration can lead not only to self-discovery but also to sustainable development at home.Like many young Albanians, Eri once pursued the so-called American dream. Winning the U.S. lottery visa, he left his homeland with high hopes and the belief that a better life awaited him overseas. But after nearly a year in the United States, reality hit hard.“Life in the U.S. requires years of sacrifice just to reach a basic level of stability. I realized that what I had left behind—my family, my land, my roots—was not something to abandon, but something to invest in,” Eri recalls.With that realization, he made the courageous decision to return home—not with regret, but with a new vision for his future. Eri decided to embrace what many others overlooked: the rich potential of Albania’s soil, particularly for the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). These plants—essential to the global pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries—thrive naturally in the Albanian climate, especially in regions like Korçë.Today, Eri runs a fully organic farm, focused on growing high-quality herbs like lavender, sage, and mountain tea. His approach combines traditional farming wisdom with modern techniques, including sustainable practices that protect soil health and biodiversity.Despite his progress, the journey hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest challenges he faces is the lack of seasonal labor—a common issue in Albania’s agricultural sector. As farming remains highly seasonal, especially in mountainous areas, finding reliable workers during planting and harvesting periods has been a constant hurdle. Still, Eri has chosen not to let these challenges define his path. His resilience and determination caught the attention of UNIDO Albania, which, through the GQSP project funded by SECO, offers tailored support to young producers like him. Eri has since participated in training programs, learned about quality management systems, and received technical assistance to align his production with international standards. He is now preparing for certification GlobalG.A.P., which will not only validate the quality of his products but also open new doors in regional and international markets.“This land is full of opportunities,” says Eri, “You just have to find the field that matches your passion and stay committed to it. Not everything abroad is as perfect as it seems.”Through his journey, Eri is breaking the stereotype that success lies only beyond Albania’s borders. He proves that returning migrants can become powerful agents of rural transformation, bringing back not only experience, but also a sense of mission. His work encourages other young Albanians to look at their country not as a place to escape, but as a foundation for innovation and impact. Eri Strana is more than a farmer—he is a changemaker rooted in the land he once considered leaving for good. His choice to return, rebuild, and contribute to his community is a shining example of how youth can drive sustainable development, not from afar, but right at home.Local Roots, Global VisionJetmira Kajoshi and Eri Strana are more than just producers of high-quality artisanal and agricultural products—they are pioneers of a new generation of Albanian entrepreneurs who are reshaping the country’s rural landscape with purpose, passion, and resilience. Their commitment to their land, their communities, and to sustainable practices places them among a growing movement of young people who are driving forward Albania’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).By choosing to invest in their own regions rather than seek uncertain futures abroad, Jetmira and Eri are proving that true opportunity can be found in local resources, traditional knowledge, and environmental stewardship. Through Natyra Ime, Jetmira is preserving biodiversity, honoring women’s work in rural areas, and celebrating the richness of Albania’s natural heritage. Meanwhile, Eri’s organic farm in Korçë is revitalizing underutilized land and creating a new model for youth-led agricultural innovation. What unites them is not only their entrepreneurial spirit but also the strategic and technical support they receive from GQSP Albania, implemented by UNIDO and funded by the Swiss Government (SECO). This support—ranging from quality infrastructure development and certification readiness to branding and training, being part of regional baskets—has been essential in helping both producers professionalize their operations, expand market access, and meet international standards.With the backing of initiatives like GQSP Albania, Jetmira and Eri they are contributing to a broader ecosystem of rural resilience and economic inclusion. Their work supports multiple SDGs, including SDG 2 by promoting sustainable agriculture and food security; SDG 5 by empowering women in rural areas; SDG 8 by creating jobs and economic opportunities for youth; SDG 9 by fostering innovation, certification, and market access; SDG 12 by promoting sustainable production and consumption; and SDG 13 through climate-friendly agricultural practices.Their journeys remind us that development doesn’t always require departure. Sometimes, the most impactful change comes from staying, returning, and building—brick by brick, plant by plant, soap by soap—right where your roots are. Through their example, they are inspiring a new generation of Albanians to reimagine the future not as something found elsewhere, but as something that can be grown, sustainably and proudly, at home.

Albania is advancing bold reforms for a more inclusive society with the “Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania” (LEAP) Joint Programme, a transformative initiative powered by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, ILO and UN Women. Together, these UN agencies are working to expand social protection, enhance care services, and unlock decent employment opportunities for children, women, youth, and the elderly—especially those in vulnerable situations.This programme puts people at the center—from early childhood to old age—strengthening both dignity and opportunity throughout life. But how do the various parts of this initiative come together to deliver results?Redesigning Long-Term Care Services with Dignity and Empowerment at the CoreUNDP Albania plays a pivotal role in reimagining integrated social care and employment systems to meet the needs of Albania’s most vulnerable—particularly the elderly, families of children in need, caregivers, and youth disconnected from the labor market.  Albania’s aging population is growing rapidly, with nearly 20% of citizens over the age of 65. In response, UNDP is driving one of the programme’s flagship efforts: modeling Long-Term Care (LTC) services that are both dignified and employment-generating.“When care becomes recognized work, it doesn’t just change lives—it builds an economy of dignity,” said Mirjeta Ramizi, UNDP Project Manager.UNDP also supported the foundational “Aging in Albania” study, which has informed national policy and shaped the National Aging Plan (2025–2030). This research identifies gaps in access, service quality, and intergenerational support, and it is being used to pilot inclusive care models in six municipalities through CSO partnerships with organizations like ARSIS, Gruaja te Gruaja, Udhetim i Lire, Drejtesi Sociale, Instituti Liberal Pashko and YMCA. Tourism Roadmap: A Gateway to Decent Work for Youth and WomenIn parallel, UNDP has spearheaded the design of a Regional Skills Development and Employment Roadmap for the Tourism Sector in Lezhë and Vorë. The roadmap responds to high levels of youth unemployment and informality in the tourism sector by identifying key skills gaps, training needs, and employment opportunities for marginalized groups.This effort contributes directly to the programme’s target of supporting 530 women and youth with access to decent work in hospitality and care—sectors with high growth potential and social returnFrom Pilot to Policy: LEAP as a System BuilderBy embedding its pilots within national policy frameworks—such as the National Social Protection Strategy (2024–2030) and Employment and Skills Strategy (2023–2030)— LEAP’s successes go beyond short-term results. Through deep work with government, municipalities, and civil society, LEAP is helping Albania move toward a life-cycle-based social protection system that is inclusive, sustainable, and gender-sensitive.“Albania is demonstrating that care and employment systems can be redesigned together to meet today’s challenges—with equity, foresight, and human dignity at the center,” said Eno Ngjela, Programme Specialist, UNDP.Early Interventions and Child Benefit ReformUNICEF is leading the work on supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Protection developing options to introduce the Universal Child Benefit framework and providing operational support for its rollout. Meanwhile, over 450 children have already benefited from the model of Universal Progressive Home Visiting (UPHV) approach which aims to support and engage families of young children, providing a holistic and family – centered care, contributing to strengthening parenting competencies, and reaching out to the most vulnerable, making disadvantaged families more visible and facilitating access to services. These efforts aim to reduce child poverty and improve early development outcomes, especially for marginalized families.Transforming Early Childhood and accelerating the integrated model of cash and care for families in need- One Doorstep at a Time Through the Universal Progressive Home Visit (UPHV) model, trained health personnel—often nurses and social workers— ensure to outreach the families and provide early childhood services directly to families, offering guidance on parenting, child development, nutrition, and mental health. The goal is profound: ensure that every child, regardless of income, location, or status, gets a fair start in life. The Universal progressive home visit has a particular focus on identifying children and families in need and at risk and ensuring facilitating access to other public services. These visits aren’t just check-ins. They’re acts of care, trust, and transformation.“We help mothers see that they already have the power to shape their child’s future,” said one nurse-. “Sometimes all they need is someone to believe in them.”Building a Systemic Approach to Supporting Families on Economic AidEstablishing a systemic and sustainable approach to supporting families receiving economic aid requires coordinated, multi-stakeholder partnerships and a family-empowerment focus. UNICEF, in collaboration with three municipalities and local civil society organizations, is currently supporting approximately 112 families benefiting from economic assistance. This initiative not only addresses their immediate needs but also accelerates access to essential and integrated services, including healthcare, education, psychosocial counselling, employment opportunities, vocational training, and early childhood development.The core objective is to empower families to overcome social and economic barriers that limit their ability to provide for and protect their children. At the same time, the initiative invests in strengthening local service delivery systems, promoting an open-door approach among frontline professionals, and enhancing outreach to the most vulnerable and marginalized households.This integrated model serves as a pathway for transforming the economic aid scheme from a passive welfare mechanism into a proactive and inclusive support system. By fostering community-based solutions and reinforcing the capacities of both families and institutions, the model aims to create long-term impact, enabling families to transition toward greater self-reliance, resilience, and improved well-being for children.Catalyzing change towards a National Policy When Ana, a young mother from Elbasan, opened the door to a woman in a blue vest, she had no idea that it would mark the beginning of a transformation—for her, her child, and her sense of purpose.“I was lost. I didn’t know what to do or how to care for my baby,” Ana recalls in her story shared by UNICEF Albania. Like many women in Albania facing economic hardship, she lacked access to basic support. Her home was quiet—too quiet—without guidance, stimulation, or hope.That changed with the Universal Progressive Home Visits (UPHV), an initiative led by UNICEF under the LEAP Joint Programme, supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund.Ana’s story is just one among thousands—but it represents the core of what UNICEF is building through LEAP: a protective circle around every child, starting from the home, extending into community systems, and ultimately embedded in national policy.As Albania works to scale up the UCB and integrate progressive home visits nationally, UNICEF’s work is proving that early investment in families is not just smart—it’s transformative.“When we invest in a child, we invest in society. That’s the LEAP we’re making,” said Enkeleda Bregu, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist.Special attention to pupils from the economic aid programme The "Journey towards Employment" is the model supporting capacities of Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) with the development of a comprehensive curriculum and support materials on developing soft skills targeting 634 pupils from the economic aid programme and those out of education and employment receiving support from the Vocational Education and Training Centers in the municipalities of Kukës, Shkodër, Peshkopi, Bulqizë, Tiranë, Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë, Berat, Gjirokastër. A New Beginning: The Story of Ana, a young mother’s transformation journey in ElbasanHow Integrated Support Helped One Young Mother Reclaim Her Future Through Skills, Guidance, and Hope in ElbasanThis is the story of Ana*, a young mother from Elbasan whose journey of transformation inspires hope and determination. Years ago, Ana’s education was cut short due to serious financial hardships that her family was going through. She left school before completing the 9th grade and never had the chance to attend high school becoming a young woman not in employment, education or training (NEET). For a long time, she believed that her door to learning and employment had closed forever. But change came when Ana joined the Aftësi për Punësim – Bashkëpunim për të Rinjtë në Nevojë/ Skills for Employment- Cooperation for youth in need project — a joint initiative by UNICEF, the National Agency for Employment and Skills (AKPA), and the Centre for Competitive Skills (CCS), part of the UN’s broader LEAP programme supported by the EU and partner governments. Her story is a testament to what happens when systems work together — when employment services, education, and psychosocial support come together with a shared vision“For the first time in years, Ana found herself in a supportive environment that saw her not for what she lacked, but for the potential she held. This is key to ensuring that every young person is not left behind. “- said Mirlinda Bushati, the UNICEF Education and Adolescent Specialist.  Decent Work, Formalization, and a Sustainable Tourism SectorThe ILO is playing a catalytic role in addressing widespread informality in Albania’s booming tourism sector, which contributed over 8% to GDP and attracted nearly 12 million foreign visitors in 2024. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation—alongside government institutions, social partners, business associations, municipalities, academia, civil society, and development partners—ILO is co-developing a Roadmap for Employment and Formalization in Tourism to promote decent work and sustainable growth.“Formalizing tourism jobs isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a pathway to stability and prosperity for thousands of Albanian workers,” said Fiorela Shalsi, ILO Project Coordinator, during the national workshop on tourism formalization.The roadmap outlines four key priorities: simplifying registration and licensing, piloting incentives for small businesses and own-account workers, engaging social partners to co-design support models, and exploring tailored social insurance for seasonal workers. Grounded in European best practices and tailored to Albania’s local context, the roadmap addresses challenges such as seasonality, limited municipal capacity, and barriers to finance for small operators.Next, the ILO and its social partners will pilot selected measures to demonstrate how inclusive formalization can work in practice. This initiative complements ILO’s broader support for extending social protection, reducing informality in care and tourism, and designing Active Labour Market Programmes (ALMPs) for women and youth—paving the way for a more regulated, equitable, and sustainable tourism economy in line with EU standards and the Sustainable Development Goals.The ILO is playing a catalytic role in addressing widespread informality in Albania’s booming tourism sector, which contributed over 8% to GDP and attracted nearly 12 million foreign visitors in 2024. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation and Ministry of Tourism and Environment alongside government institutions, Association of Tour Operators, social partners, municipalities, academia, civil society, and development partners—ILO is co-developing a Roadmap for Employment and Formalization in Tourism to promote decent work and sustainable growth. Empowering Women Through Inclusive Employment in Albania’s Tourism SectorThe ILO is strengthening inclusive employment pathways for marginalized women and those laid off from Albania’s garment industry—one of the sectors most affected by recent economic shifts. Through a holistic support model that combines career counseling, vocational training, apprenticeships, and job placement, the ILO aims to help women transition toward more stable and rewarding work in the growing tourism sector.Following detailed field research and institutional assessments in five municipalities, the ILO identified specific regions where reintegration needs are highest. “Many of these women face structural barriers: long-term unemployment, care responsibilities, and limited access to guidance or training,” noted the director of the National Employment and Skills Agency (AKPA) in Shkodër.Building on this groundwork, the ILO will roll out targeted support in one or two municipalities, in close collaboration with national institutions and local employers. The initiative promotes decent work, reducing inequalities, and empowering women—ensuring no one is left behind.Empowering Women  UN Women ensures the programme integrates gender-responsive approaches throughout. It supports the development of inclusive standards in the care sector and promotes women’s economic reintegration, especially for those exiting informal or unpaid caregiving roles. This ensures women's voices are heard in the shaping of new policies and care economy solutions.This joint programme is supported by the Joint SDG Fund. 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.