United Nations in Albania

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Press Release

02 June 2023

Business #2030 Conference: Leading the way to a sustainable future for Albanian companies

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Press Release

17 May 2023

FAO - Advancing sustainable agriculture, Albania's commitment to sustainable use of plant protection products

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Press Release

11 May 2023

Business #2030 Conference: Leading the way to a sustainable future for Albanian companies

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Latest

Press Release

02 June 2023

Business #2030 Conference: Leading the way to a sustainable future for Albanian companies

Learn more

Press Release

17 May 2023

FAO - Advancing sustainable agriculture, Albania's commitment to sustainable use of plant protection products

Learn more

Press Release

11 May 2023

Business #2030 Conference: Leading the way to a sustainable future for Albanian companies

Learn more

The Sustainable Development Goals 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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Press Release

27 April 2023

UNDP - New partnership launched with Department of Journalism and Communication to Combat Divisive Narratives in Albania

The goal of this partnership is to identify ethnic stereotypes in traditional and social media, increase the knowledge and capacities of 600 students, 40 young journalists, and the public on the use of constructive narratives by avoiding ethnic stereotypes. This initiative will analyze media content from 12 traditional (online and audio-visual) and social media for the period between March to August 2023 regarding the use of ethnic stereotypes, develop tools and methodology for the deconstruction of negative ethnic stereotypes, and raise awareness and capacities of 600 students and 40 young journalists on the use of constructive narratives in traditional and social media. The methodological approach of this initiative includes media monitoring, production of manuals and dictionaries to deconstruct negative stereotypes, video production and broadcasting. Traditional and social media will be subjects of monitoring and awareness raising, while young journalists and students will act as the agents of change. Monica Merino, UNDP Representative in Albania, emphasizes: “With the rise of divisive narratives and rhetoric in Albania, this partnership is crucial in promoting constructive and respectful public discourse within and across communities. WE are happy of this partnership with the Journalism and Communication Department at the Faculty of History and Philology. By empowering students of journalism to engage in constructive narratives, we can strengthen intercultural dialogue, inclusion, gender equality, and create mutual understanding and trust. This collaboration will help promote a more constructive and respectful public discourse within and across communities, which is essential in promoting peace, stability, and progress." The rise of divisive narratives and rhetoric has highlighted the need for more constructive, fact-based narratives and respectful public discourse within and across communities. Divisive narratives have the potential to aggravate regional dynamics, mistrust, and grievances. The degree of internet and cell phone penetration in the region, combined with COVID-19 social restrictions, offers massive platforms for narratives to propagate. UNFPA Head of Office, Dr. Manuela Bello stated that: “For UNFPA partnering with young journalists is especially important to tackle divisive narratives and hate speech among groups of diverse social backgrounds and sexual orientations, and key young populations. In addition, we aim to strengthen the engagement of young people who recognize the crucial influence of traditional gender norms across identity and community lines to promote constructive narratives and combat hate speech and patriarchal gender norms, in order to increase dialogue and mutual understanding among these groups and promote gender equality.” This partnership between UNDP, UNFPA, and Tirana University's Faculty of History and Philology is a crucial step in promoting constructive and respectful public discourse within and across communities in Albania. It aims to empower young people to engage in constructive narratives, strengthen intercultural dialogue, inclusion, gender equality, and create mutual understanding and trust in the Western Balkans. To find out more about the project, please go here: Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust | United Nations Development Programme (undp.org). For media inquiries, please contact: For UNDP: Nora Kushti: nora.kushti@undp.org For UNFPA: Elida Nuri: enuri@unfpa.org Find the original source here.

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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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Speech

15 June 2022

Speech by UNRC Fiona McCluney at the National Conference on the “Common Challenges and new pathways in the fight against corruption: digitalization as an anticorruption tool”

Dear Excellences, Ambassadors, colleagues and friends, First of all, let me thank Minister Milva Ikonomi for the invite to be a keynote speaker in this Session and for her role as the Minister responsible for organizing this very important Conference. I am happy to be here with you today on this very important occasion to discuss the results and the necessity for joint work and partnerships in fighting corruption in the Albanian society. I would firstly like to congratulate the Government of Albania for presenting a complete and encouraging picture of the progress made during 2021 and an honest and realistic situation of the challenges ahead. UN is happy and proud to have contributed to in fulfillment of key measures related to the fight and prevention of corruption, noting that this contribution has been possible through the partnership with several development partners and close collaboration with central and local government level institutions. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly link corruption and peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. SDG 16 and its targets of reducing bribery, strengthening institutions, and accessing information are not only valuable aspirations in their own right, but they are also necessary conditions for the achievement of all the 17 goals. From a human development perspective, people’s freedoms, choices, and opportunities continue to be undermined by corrupt practices that distort income distribution and public expenditure decisions. Corruption erodes people’s trust in public institutions, undermines the rule of law, impairs the systems of checks and balances, and contributes to violence and insecurity. For Albania, the fight against corruption is a matter of urgency to strengthen the rule of law. Still, it is also a key priority in the framework of EU integration of the country. Moreover, maintaining integrity and adopting systematic anti-corruption measures are also vital in the context of public administration reforms. I am glad that in this Session we have an opportunity to look at the specific role of media and civil society in the fight against corruption. This is such a complex and multi-layered phenomenon; it is crucial to consider different actors and perspectives. The promotion of an enabling environment is central to good governance and the rule of law. And as we heard from Nick Thus from SIGMA this morning the importance of upward and downward systems of mutual accountability and transparency. And with enabling environment I also mean independent, free and pluralistic media, as well as active and engaged civil society. Media and civil society can contribute to ensure transparency and accountability, promote participation in public and political discourse, and foster democratic processes. They can play a key role in the fight against corruption, including by monitoring and reporting. However, we should not forget that seeking transparency and accountability might also entail personal risk. Last 3rd May, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I issued a joint statement with the Head of OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Vincenzo Del Monaco. We particularly stressed the multiple ways in which journalism is endangered by surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks on journalists, and the consequences on public trust in digital communications. The digital era has created a fast-evolving environment that while on the one hand has democratized access to information and increased exchanges across borders, on the other it has impacted on the right to privacy and in many circumstances put media workers and their sources at greater risk of being targeted, harassed and attacked. Therefore, media professionals and journalists need to be protected in order to carry out their essential work freely and safely. Since digitalization as an anticorruption tool is also a key theme of this Conference, I believe this is an important remark to make. Now let me turn to a few concrete points regarding what we as UN Albania are doing on anti-corruption. UNODC, UN office for Drugs and Crime, based in Vienna, in June last year, supported the Western Balkan, including Albania, in the developing and adopting a Regional Anti-Corruption and Illicit Finance Roadmap in June 2021. This strategic document focuses on three key goals/ priority areas for the region: 1) preventing and countering corruption in public procurement, something that was addressed earlier this morning. 2) strengthening understanding of conflict of interest and asset declaration systems and creating a regional network of specialized prosecutors, law enforcement and finally 3) financial intelligence agencies in response to corruption and economic crime. The roadmap establishes a monitoring and goal setting framework and specific actions and training to further these goals. The UN Development Programme, UNDP, support in the fight against corruption is particularly visible in the two initiatives, firstly, related to promoting Integrity Plans and secondly, conducting the annual Trust in Governance survey. This work links directly to the role of civil society as well as media, or as we are discussing in this panel, where the power held by ordinary people for accountability through role of civil society and media is considered as an important factor. Integrity plans include a set of preventive measures against corruption that address identified risks that could favor the corruptive behavior of public servants. integrity plans are intended to establish a culture of public management that puts ethics and integrity as the cornerstones of good governance. The Institute for Mediation and Democracy from Civil society and the Ministry of Justice, in its capacity of National Coordinator for Anticorruption, were key partners during the piloting of six Integrity Plans and endorsing the risk assessment methodology. This experience evolved in 2020 with the adoption of the methodology for central public institutions and the development of the integrity planning for the Ministry of Justice, representing the first central institution applying this standard. UNDP have also supported the further expansion of this practice during 2022 in line Ministries including Education and Sports, Culture, Foreign Affairs, and EU Integration, Infrastructure and Energy, as well as Tourism and Environment and continues to work at the local level to extend the experience of integrity planning in 14 additional municipalities, creating a critical mass for a national standard and compliance. To date, 14 Municipalities have an approved Integrity Plan from their respective Municipal Councils, and 6 other municipalities are in the finalization phase of their plans. In addition, UNDP and IDM are working on developing an Integrity Index, which potentially will serve as an instrument for monitoring the level of institutional integrity and anti-corruption performance. The other UNDP relevant product is the annual Trust in Governance Opinion Poll. The Trust in Governance Opinion Poll carried out since 2013 is an instrument that gives voice to what people think, enabling the monitoring of public trust and perceptions on governance and citizen engagement in Albania on a yearly basis. Through a well proven methodology it explores public perceptions and attitudes on the trustworthiness of public institutions, institutional transparency, and accountability, corruption, political influence, the level of citizen engagement in policy and decision-making, satisfaction with public service delivery, gender, and social inclusion. Regularly public information that should provide the evidence to see changes in attitudes and perceptions of corruption. I had a quick look at the surveys, which are online, before completing this speech and interestingly, the media and civil society were perceived to be the main institutions holding the government accountable. The 2021 survey will be published shortly, and I encourage everyone to look to this source of information in highlighting how trends change in perceptions of performance by different institutions. The form of trend analysis, that the Trust in Governance Opinion Poll allow provides a useful source for reporting by media or a reference for civil society in reviewing policy, intervention planning, and implementation and assessing results on the ground. Thank you for your attention in making these general points. Before turning to my fellow speakers I would once again like to highlight the key role of the media and civil society in progressing on anticorruption agenda noted both in SDG 16 as well detailed work related to Albania’s EU accession path. Indeed, like the guiding question of this session, it is the power held by ordinary people that hold its leaders and institutions accountable, the ‘voice of the ordinary person’ and the media’s investigative role, which are and will continue to be key factors going forward. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this meeting and I look forward to further enriching discussions during this Conference.

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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

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Story

27 April 2023

IOM - In pursuit of a new life: IOM's resettlement assistance to Afghan evacuees in Albania

“I found very kind people and great hospitality here, but it was however difficult. Especially when you have to introduce yourself, but you realize that all you had in your life vanished away and now you only identify with one word, refugee” – Zahra, an Afghan evacuee in her mid-thirties in Albania. A few thousand Afghan nationals who fled their country following the Taliban takeover were evacuated to Albania in 2021 and were given temporary shelter in Durres and Shëngjin. Since the beginning of their temporary stay in Albania, IOM has been close to the evacuees and assisted with facilitating their resettlement process to Canada, the US, and some European destinations. After staying for over a year in Albania, Zahra* is about to start off a new life in a new country. Only a few steps from the takeoff, she becomes emotional and shares with us her Albanian experience. “I was completely unprepared for what to expect here. I recall in the beginning one would imagine uncomfortable refugee camps, and I was terrified to even at the thought of experiencing something like that. Luckily, this did not happen. People were kind here. When they would hear I was from Afghanistan, you could see kindness in their eyes.” IOM’s operational personnel keep Afghan families informed of their dates of medical checkups to see if fit to travel and provide pre-departure counseling, particularly on the flight arrangements and requirements, with due focus on medical and gender-based vulnerabilities. Zahra adds that the health checks for travel purposes, the information sessions prior to departure and IOM’s airport assistance in the exit, transit, and reception process eased the hard feeling of the word “refugee” on her own skin. The anxiety of seeing everything crumble, fleeing her country, and feeling insecure about the future, accompanied her long sojourn in Albania. “Everything was okay with the people and services that we got, but on the other hand, it was difficult. Even when you go somewhere for a week or two, you plan to do something in that place; imagine when you have to spend more than a year in a place and you don’t know what to do, you don’t know how long you will stay there. You don’t know when you’ll move to a different place and how your new life will be.” In coordination with the respective embassies, host countries’ immigration authorities, airport and carrier authorities and other service providers, IOM logistically supported immigration authority interviewing, facilitated “fitness to travel” checks, pre-departure orientation sessions, movement operations, and other services related to refugee resettlement, for over 1800 Afghani nationals, as of their arrival to Albania in 2021. *The name has been changed to maintain confidentiality. For the original source click here.

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Story

27 April 2023

UNOPS/EU4Culture - World Creativity & Innovation Day

Today, we celebrate the power of human imagination and the role it plays in driving progress and making the world a better place. Moreover, creativity and innovation can help communities boost local economies, generate income, create jobs and expand opportunities for everyone, in particular women and youth. The EU-funded EU4Culture programme implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Culture is not only restoring but is additionally revitalizing cultural heritage sites, boosting local socio-economic development. Several important museums, among which, the Ethnographic Museum of Kruja, the Ethnographic Museum of Kavaja, the Venetian Tower, the Hammam in Durres, the Archeological Museum in Durres and the Castle of Bashtova, are being equipped with high-tech multimedia and digital storytelling tools. The Venetian Tower is being turned into the first Albanian Heritage Interpretation Center, and it will provide different types of heritage interpretation activities through modern digital and multimedia storytelling tools highlighting the most important events and milestones of Durres ancient history. The visitors will be able to explore Durres history through multimedia dome projection, immerse in the ancient past through virtual and augmented reality experiences, get information about Durres history through an app, on-site tablets and audio guides in five languages. After renovation the Archeological Museum of Durres will be transformed into a modern educational hub that will allow visitors to immerse and experience ancient history through classic and high-tech story-telling as well as virtual reality and multimedia tools. The visitors will be able to navigate through Durres ancient history exploring redesigned exhibition routes, marvel at new treasures discovered during recent underwater archeological missions and get together for cultural events and performances at a completely redesigned outdoor urban space. Through these cutting-edge technological solutions, innovative digital tools and creative approaches, the EU4Culture program is promoting history and cultural heritage in a new and more appealing way encouraging young people to learn their cultural heritage through immersing into history. Additionally, these tools are making it possible to reach a wider audience and make information more accessible. Find the original source here.

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Story

27 April 2023

UNDP - Combating hate speech in Albania through creative youth-led initiatives

Hate speech and bullying are toxic to the very foundations of our society. They cause irreparable damage not only to individuals, but also to entire communities. Particularly concerning is the spread of hate speech and bullying online since it can quickly infect and spread throughout social media platforms, reaching a large audience. Entela, a journalist working for an Albanian daily newspaper says: “It is very much disturbing the narrative you encounter especially online. Bullying and hate speech erode a community's foundation, shattering social cohesion and escalating tensions between various groups. It is sad to see it happening online among youth groups. It's important to recognize the harm caused by such actions and work towards promoting inclusivity and understanding in our communities”. The spread of divisive narratives, hate speech, and bullying can have detrimental effects on the core values of respect, equality, and justice, which are vital for a flourishing and thriving society. Unfortunately, these issues are not unfamiliar to the Western Balkans, including Albania. To address this, a new regional United Nations project ‘Youth 4 Inclusion, Equality & Trust’ empowers young people to engage in constructive narratives, strengthen intercultural dialogue, inclusion, gender equality and create mutual understanding and trust in Western Balkans including Albania. The two-year initiative will enhance the role of youth in promoting increased comprehension and respect for diversity in the region. Collaboratively, UNDP, UNFPA, UNESCO, UN Women, relevant local ministries, municipal and youth councils, youth political parties, media, academic and cultural institutions, and civil society organisations are working on fulfilling the above mentioned goals, financially supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund. The project also seeks to increase the visibility of fact-based storytelling in Albanian media and public spaces, negative impact of fake news and conspiracy theories, toxic masculinities, and gender inequality. Young people are at the spotlight. Around forty representatives from all over Albania recently gathered to take part in an innovation bootcamp organized in the context of the project- where they laboriously came up with creative ways to combat hate speech and boost youth participation in electoral processes, particularly for the upcoming local elections scheduled for May of this year. Eleven projects in total were proposed following two days of intensive coaching and mentorship through the design thinking methodology. The four wining projects, born out of creative minds, each unique, aim to raise awareness about countering hate speech, increasing youth participation in electoral processes, and promoting positive narratives, respect for diversity, and trust among youth. "Tell Us Why" project aims to raise awareness about countering hate speech among young people and the general population across the country. Their methodological approach involves conducting social experiments to test reactions to hate speech, which will be disseminated on various media platforms. The project will conclude with a graffiti promoting peacebuilding in a city centre. The "Veliera" project aims to increase the participation of young people in democratic processes in Albania. The group proposes a series of short animations that promote the value of democratic processes to their peers, featuring a young Albanian musician as the main character. The animations aim to provide information about the voting process and to encourage young people to actively engage in the democratic process that affects their future. “The Voter's Map" project is an electronic platform that helps young voters identify the mayoral candidates whose electoral programs align with their preferences and aspirations for their city/town. The platform uses an algorithm with open-source data to match young voters' answers to a questionnaire covering topics like social inclusion, environmental protection, and urban development. The platform also facilitates online debates and Q&A sessions between young voters and mayoral candidates. The group aims to increase young voters' interest in electoral processes and help them make informed decisions. The "Me ner’ jush" project proposes a series of podcasts to increase young people's interest in voting processes and discuss social issues affecting them. The podcasts will cover different topics of youth interest and serve as a platform for discussions on engaging young people in electoral campaigns. The project will support all four initiatives with financial means and mentorship, to further promote positive narratives that celebrate diversity and foster understanding while simultaneously believing in the limitless potential of our youth.

Find the original source here.

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28 March 2023

UN Women - Art and technology unite partners in Albania on International Women’s Day

From 6 to 10 March, UN Women in Albania organized a week-long celebration of International Women’s Day. The events were organized in collaboration with private sector partners, civil society organizations, international partners, youth, and artists. Art expressing what words cannot One of the highlights of the week was Fem Fest, a feminist festival organized by the Union of Albanian Artists where women’s rights activists and artists make their voices heard as they address gender inequalities and the different forms of discrimination faced by women in various spaces. UN Women supported various festival activities such as plays, public debates, and artistic performances. The "Red Shoes" installation was displayed in Mother Teresa Square, in honor of women killed by domestic and gender-related violence. This art installation created by the Mexican artist Elina Chauvet has been reproduced all over the world. The Union of Albanian Artists curated the installation in Tirana, with the support of the Embassy of Sweden in Tirana, UN Women, and UNDP Albania. The installation will remain on display in the main square of the capital for six months. Another noteworthy activity was a performing art piece called 'Baby Blues' by Haveit, a group of young women artists who use their performances to tackle gender and social issues. They portrayed the journey of new mothers struggling with their unknown selves. A public event about the pervasive issue of sexism in politics brought together women politicians, activists, and ambassadors to share their personal experiences and advocate for greater support and opportunities for women and girls in politics. Private sector advocates Credins Bank signed the United Nations’ Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) on International Women’s Day. The Bank joined a network of 44 signatory companies in Albania committed to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. UN Women Representative in Albania, Michele Ribotta, pointed out that "Promoting gender equality isn't just a matter of social responsibility in internal business practices. Supporting women economic empowerment through access to financing and productive assets contributes directly to Albania’s economic wealth.” Credins Bank General Director, Maltin Korkuti, noted: "We have always been promoters of women's empowerment – by granting them financial packages, specific bonuses and several trainings, we create the right environment for their integration". UN Women also teamed up with the Balfin Group and Deloitte Albania, both signatories of the Women Empowerment Principles, to organize two different events under the global theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.” Employees and representatives of these companies gathered to discuss how technology is transforming society and how it can bring advances for women and girls. Representatives from Easypay and Vodafone Albania Foundation, also WEPs signatories, shared their experiences about challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and the use of technology to tackle domestic violence. In Albania, socio-cultural gender stereotypes keep limiting girls’ employment opportunities to areas such as teaching, nursing, or social work. While two thirds of students in higher education are girls, only four per cent of them pursue ICT-related studies. On the other hand, the male-dominated tech workplace culture is a key barrier to more women getting into, or remaining and advancing in tech jobs. According to national data, while a large portion of graduates from ICT- and STEM-related fields are women, only half of them make it to a managerial position. On International Women’s Day and every day, UN Women encourages women and girls to pursue studies in science and technology-related subject areas and calls on everyone to remove any barriers that prevent women and girls accessing the digital world.

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Press Release

02 June 2023

Business #2030 Conference: Leading the way to a sustainable future for Albanian companies

As Albanian companies face a myriad of challenges in the coming years, including sustainability, digitalization, higher safety and quality standards, and European Union integration, the Business #2030 Conference will provide them with the necessary tools and insights to confront these issues head-on. “Everyone must be engaged to create a sustainable future! With less than a decade remaining until the global Sustainable Development Goals are to be fulfilled, the work of businesses to become more sustainable is more important than ever. Albania and Albanian businesses are part of Europe and European value chains, and we want to strengthen their sustainable development. During the conference you will hear about and be inspired by Swedish sustainable businesses and their sustainable production, from small scale to large scale companies. We want to support Albanian companies in the EU accession process by reaching EU standards and contribute to a smooth and fair transition towards a climate-neutral economy which improves the quality of life, create better conditions for democratic and inclusive development and which leaves no one behind.” - said Elsa Håstad, Swedish Ambassador in Albania. Speaking about the context in which the conference is held, the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania, Fiona McCluney said: “The world now realises that carbon emissions are not slowing, we may not be able to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degree centigrade. As temperature rises go beyond, we will see crop yields suffer, widespread species loss and an estimated 40 percent of the global population will be exposed to extreme temperatures. We will also reach tipping points, break up of Greenland ice sheet, change in convection currents in north Atlantic, leading to more extreme weather and big temperature changes. The stakes grow and constituencies for change widen. Not only from global agreements – such as Paris – or regulations but also from investors, investments funds who want to help build ‘green businesses’ in the private sector itself and from civil society and especially young people, those who will be most affected. Business #2030 Conference has been designed, through joint UN work, (including UNDP, UNIDO, ILO and FAO) and with a special link to Swedish advocacy, business and technology, to listen to and network with experts in business sustainability, to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and to start to lay a foundation for a resilient future for all.” The conference will showcase an array of speakers, renowned for their expertise and contributions in their respective fields, including representatives from well-known Swedish companies and business leaders. Notably, the conference will host the famous sustainable fashion designer, Louise Xin, who will share her expertise and insights on sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from these industry experts and engage in thought-provoking discussions. The conference will focus on a variety of crucial topics that set the foundation for a more resilient future for Albanian businesses. Themes to be discussed include: Balancing profitability and responsibility towards a sustainable future This session will explore the critical interplay between sustainable practices, balancing business costs and benefits, and setting the foundation for a more resilient future for Albanian businesses. Key topics include business sustainability, cost analysis, resilience, EU standards, and sustainability in key sectors such as the textile/footwear and agro-processing industries. Driving Sustainable Business Practices in Albania the role of CSR, ESG and SDGs This session will highlight the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in guiding businesses towards sustainable practices. Key topics include CSR as a driver of profitability, social development goals, competitive advantage, business climate, responsible investments, and corporate values. Circular Economy: A model of sustainable and competitive business? This panel session will explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing sustainable practices in the Albanian business world, with a focus on the circular economy. Key topics include sustainable business practices, efficient use of resources, ethics, and avoiding greenwashing. Changemakers for a Better World: The launch of SDG Pioneers in Albania This session will mark the official launch of the SDG Pioneers Award in Albania. The award recognizes individuals and companies making significant contributions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Innovation – Sustainable business in the age of digital revolution This session will explore how innovation and the digital revolution will impact and shape business sustainability in Albania in the next few years. Participants will have the chance to hear from local and international companies, civil society, and young Albanian entrepreneurs who have achieved success in sustainable and innovative products. In addition to these insightful sessions, the conference will provide collaborative opportunities and insights from Swedish businesses that are leaders in sustainability practices. Participants will engage in dynamic and candid conversations about conducting business in a sustainable way in Albania.

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Press Release

22 May 2023

FAO - Advancing sustainable agriculture, Albania's commitment to sustainable use of plant protection products

In collaboration with MARD, FAO conducted local consultations with key stakeholders and facilitated a five-day study tour to Croatia. The tour included visits to the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture, Agency for Agriculture and Food, State Inspectorate, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, and the Teaching Institute for Public Health. The purpose of the tour was to observe the practical functioning of the system and transfer Croatia's experience in implementing the EU directive on the sustainable use of pesticides. "Plant protection products (PPPs) are crucial for ensuring food production and food security, considering that plants provide around 80% of the food consumed by humans. However, despite their advantages, particularly in agriculture, the use of PPPs may also have negative consequences for plant and human/animal health (residue levels) as well as the environment" said Agim Pepkolaj, National Project Manager of the Food and Agriculture Organization. Arian Jaupllari, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, commended the partnership with FAO and emphasized the importance of implementing the Action Plan in collaboration with partners. This implementation will help minimize risks to human health and the environment associated with pesticide use, based on the objectives, actions, measures, and indicators set in the Action Plan. The project's final workshop brought together key actors involved in PPP regulation and monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan. During the workshop, government representatives from MARD, National Veterinary and Plant Protection Authority, Institute of Food Safety and Veterinary, National Food Authority, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and Ministry of Health presented their roles and responsibilities for implementing the Action Plan. Furthermore, representatives from donors (GIZ, EUDelegation, and CIHEAM Bari) highlighted their support for the sustainable use of pesticides and discussed possible additional support to the Albanian government in achieving the targets set in the Action Plan. Another important event organized by FAO, in collaboration with the Agriculture University of Tirana, took place on May 18, 2023. Approximately 50 participants; students, and professors from the Agriculture Faculty, attended the lecture on international cooperation in preventing the spread of plant pests between countries, delivered by Dr. Piotr Wlodarczyk, Agricultural Officer at the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia. Related articles:
FAO in support of partners in finalizing the Action Plan for the sustainable use of plant protection products

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Press Release

11 May 2023

Business #2030 Conference: Leading the way to a sustainable future for Albanian companies

This event is designed to introduce traditional and innovative sustainability practices to Albanian companies in a dynamic setting.
As Albanian companies face a multitude of challenges in the coming years, such as sustainability, digitalization, higher safety and quality standards, and European Union integration, this conference will help them confront these issues head-on. Drawing local and international company representatives, business leaders, policy makers, and sustainability experts, this event is inspired by global business events like Dubai 2020 Expo. During this conference, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in thought-provoking discussions led by a remarkable lineup of speakers. The conference will focus on a variety of topics, including the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in setting the foundation for a more resilient future for Albanian businesses. Additionally, attendees will learn how to become a sustainable company, with Albanian, Swedish, and international speakers showcasing sustainable practices and innovations. Collaboration between Albanian and international companies, academia, and civil society will also be explored to boost innovation and sustainability in Albania's future business landscape. Leading Swedish companies and organisations will also be participating in the conference, sharing their expertise and engaging with Albanian businesses, with the potential of creating future partnerships and collaborations. Furthermore, the first edition of the SDG Business Pioneer Award will be officially launched in Albania at this event, providing attendees with an exciting opportunity to witness this historic moment. We look forward to welcoming you to the Business #2030 Conference, where you will have the chance to network with like-minded individuals and learn about sustainable practices that can help your business thrive in the years to come. “Business Partnerships and Solutions for SDGs” is the United Nations Joint Project that provides the framework for the event. Its goal is to raise awareness among Albanian companies about the SDGs and to support businesses in becoming more sustainable by improving working conditions and processes. The project is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and implemented by UNDP, FAO, ILO and UNIDO in Albania.

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Press Release

02 May 2023

Promoting women’s leadership and participation in the local elections is key for Albania

According to the 2023 “Women in Politics” global map developed by UN Women and Inter Parliamentary Union, the country ranks 1st for share of women cabinet ministers, and 42nd for percentage of women in Parliament, representing an improvement of 12 positions from 2021 when Albania was ranked 54th globally[1]. However, at the local level, women’s representation is still lower compared to men’s: 44% of local councils' seats were won by women during the 2019 local election and in only 8 of the 61 municipalities (13%) women were elected as mayors, which is even lower than EU average.[2]

Ahead of the start of the campaign, the United Nations in Albania reached out to political party leaders, advocating for women’s full and meaningful participation in local elections, and presenting a set of recommendations in three key areas.

First, continue to promote women’s representation at local level: the UN called for political parties to rigorously uphold the 50% gender quotas for the candidates lists for councilors as set forth by the Electoral Code, as well as the active participation of all women and girls in elections both as voters and as candidates, including women and girls with disabilities, Roma and Egyptian women, young women and rural women and girls. The UN specifically called for increasing the number of women candidates for mayoral positions. However, only 15 of 144 mayoral candidates (10.4%) are women[3], which is even lower compared to the proportion of women candidates in the 2019 local elections[4].

Second, address gender bias and harassment against women candidates: political parties participating in the electoral contest should actively collaborate with media outlets and the Audiovisual Media Authority, to ensure adequate coverage of women candidates, and to refrain from the use of derogatory language, gender stereotypes and other types of gender-based violence. A media monitoring report carried out by UN Women during the 2021 national elections in Albania, showed that traditional and social media consistently undermined women candidates. In addition, a study conducted by UNDP confirmed that women politicians, compared to men, are more likely to experience violence. Political parties should take measures to effectively prevent and counter harassment and violence against women in elections, including by amending legislation to address violence against women candidates, voters and elected officials. Women and girls’ free votes should also be safeguarded, through countering family voting, coercion and intimidation of women voters.

Third, consolidate gender equality results at the local level: the 14 May elections provide a unique opportunity to put equal opportunities and participation at the centre of the local political agenda for sustainable development. This includes investing in girls’ education and women’s economic empowerment, as well as strengthening financial and social services such as early childhood development and access to kindergartens. Services should become available to all women and girls, including those most marginalized. Elected leaders should also continue to prioritize the effective functioning and resourcing of local referral mechanisms for coordinated response to domestic violence, as a key instrument to sustain protection and reintegration of women and girls survivors and at risk of violence.
Candidates for local councils and mayoral positions should draw on the European Charter for Equality between women and men in local life, to inform their political agendas and propositions. If elected, they can commit to sign the Charter within the first year of their mandate, and to align the action plans of the Municipality to its provisions. Eighteen municipalities in Albania have already signed the European Charter.
Promoting women’s participation will help Albania make further progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Women and men alike must not accept the role of women as passive spectators. They should work together to create an environment of equal opportunities. By including women in decision-making, we are actively contributing to create a more equal society for all. [1] UN Women and IPU, 2023: https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2023/03/women-in-politics-map-2023 [2]According to UN Women, in Europe in 2019, the share of women among municipal mayors was 15%, twice lower than the share of women amongst councilors (30%). See page 17 in this publication: https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/2022-01/Womens-representation-in-local-government-en.pdf [3] https://kqz.gov.al/2023/04/13/2023-local-government-elections-ranking-of-electoral-subjects-and-candidates-for-mayor-in-ballot-determined/?lang=en [4] According to OSCE, in 2019 there were 11 women out of 97 candidates (11.3%).

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Press Release

27 April 2023

UNDP - Three Urban Search and Rescue containers are handed over to three earthquake-affected municipalities.

The handover is part of the project "Strengthening the Capacities of the Albanian Fire and Rescue Service," which aims to enhance the capacity and ability of the firefighters to respond effectively to natural and manmade disasters. The USAR containers are equipped with the latest and highest quality tools and equipment's for search-and-rescue operations during earthquakes, such as hydraulic rescue tools, concrete cutters, acoustic and thermal imaging cameras, and other devices necessary for rescue operations. The containers are organized in accordance with international standards, ensuring that all equipment is stored safely and in a ready-to-use state. The Government of Poland provided the funding for this project which is implemented by UNDP after the devastating earthquake of November 2019. The Albanian government has been committed to improving the country's disaster response capacity ever since, and this handover of the USAR containers is a significant step towards achieving that goal. The handover was followed by a one-day training programme for the firefighters of the respective municipalities to ensure that they are well-equipped to use and maintain the equipment correctly. The availability of these modern tools and equipment’s will significantly improve the logistical and operational capacities of the firefighters in response to natural and manmade disasters, making a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Durrës, Lezhë, and Fier. The handover of the USAR containers represents a significant achievement for the Albanian Fire and Rescue Service, and the impact of this project will be felt for many years to come. Find the original source here.

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