In the heart of Albania, a nation committed to the ideals of the United Nations, a week of celebration and collaboration unfolded – the United Nations Week 2023, part of the international cultural weeks in Albania coordinated by the Albanian Ministry of Culture. The Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, as the key interlocutor of the UN in Albania, was a co-host of UN Week. The UN week in Albania took place from 23 to 25 October 2023. See the Programme here.  From the UN Day celebrations, the UN Fair, UN and Albania journey exhibition, and folk music shows at the bustling Skanderbeg Square to the warm atmosphere within the City Hall of Shkodra, from lively debates on climate in auditoriums to the well-curated SDG Pioneers Awards ceremony, the spirit of unity and urgency to accelerate action on SDGs resonated. Among the various nations' cultures exhibited during international cultural weeks in Albania, the UN brought something special. In the words of UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney: "the UN promotes the culture of peace and cooperation, the culture of human rights, of gender equality, of social protection and education, a culture of environmental protection and action for climate, and protection of biodiversity. And if I were to continue counting, that could be a precise account of the 17 goals that we call Sustainable Development Goals - or SDGs - with a key focus on the culture of peace and cooperation." The United Nations Week 2023 was the right stage to speak about the importance of peace and cooperation to end the horrible crisis that the world is living through right now. It was the stage to acknowledge the values of Albania as a UN member state and as a current UNSC non-permanent member, promoting peace and cooperation. It was the stage to speak about the SDGs and the need to accelerate action, and the place to acknowledge the results that have been achieved in Albania by the entirety of the UN system in cooperation with the local authorities and development partners. Day 1: The SDG Day The 23rd of October 2023 marked the commencement of #UNWeekAlbania2023, a day specifically dedicated to the discourse and call to action on the Sustainable Development Goals, under the banner of #SDGDay. Across various digital platforms, invitations were extended to individuals far and wide, beckoning them to partake in this momentous occasion. The overarching goal was evident: to be enlightened, inspired, and, above all, spurred to take actions in support of the SDGs. UN agencies and partners had planned various events across the country pertaining to culture, climate, gender equality, peace, and cooperation.             At the first event of the day, RC Fiona McCluney addressed the Culture Heritage workshop – a joint effort of UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture in Albania. Their collective endeavor aimed to strengthen capacities of UNESCO's global facilitators' network, aligning with the principles outlined in the 2003 Convention for Intangible Cultural Heritage. The ambiance was one of earnest commitment towards the preservation of the world's diverse cultural tapestry. The Faculty of History-Philology in Tirana became the focal point of animated discussions centered around Climate Ambition. Eloquent discourse engaged the minds of young participants, affording them the opportunity to partake in a spirited debate on climate matters. This event was a testament to the combined efforts of the Embassy of Spain to Albania, Tirana University, UNDP Albania, and UNOPS in the pursuit of #SDG13 and #SDG17.             As noon approached, the spotlight shifted towards #SDG5: Gender Equality. UN Women assumed the mantle, conducting a bootcamp in Durres alongside social science students. Their objective was clear - to enhance the students' capacity in addressing discrimination, bolstering their legal knowledge and proficiency in policy framework.             At 1:00 PM, the journey led to the main square of Bajram Curri, where the city commemorated Chestnut Promotion Day. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) joined in this tribute, underscoring the pivotal role of local agriculture in the broader spectrum of sustainable development. This occasion served as a poignant reminder of the integral connection between localized economies and the broader ambit of sustainability. By 2:00 PM, UNHCR conveyed heartening news from Gjirokastra. The city had wholeheartedly embraced the Cities #WithRefugees campaign, underlining the significance of fostering inclusive communities. The message was resoundingly clear: unity and inclusivity stood as cornerstone principles in the endeavor to forge a brighter future. As the afternoon unfolded, the UN Association Albania assumed leadership in organizing the regional Youth Peace Forum in Tirana, an integral facet of Peace Week 2023. The forum championed the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda, acknowledging the pivotal role that the younger generation plays in shaping a world characterized by tranquility.   Day 2: the United Nations Day The day kicked off with a vibrant UN Day High-Level Event at Skanderbeg Square, in the heart of Tirana. The event was streamed live for all those eager to join in the festivities. The video message of SG Guterres for the UN Day 2023 played on the main led-wall and aired online set the right scene for what would follow. Minister of Culture Elva Margariti, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Artemis Malo, and UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney addressed the audience. The event was moderated by Albania's Youth Delegates to the UN who shared their experiences of their participation in the UN General Assembly. At the end of the event, RC McCluney unveiled the UN and Albania Journey Exhibition, a testament to the shared history, culture, and diplomacy between the UN and Albania.   The UN day celebration in Tirana was attended by the highest representatives of development partners.               As the clock struck one, the UN Fair burst to life. Crowds engaged enthusiastically with interactive displays, eager to learn and participate.    Several side events added more meaning to the day. Children were treated to a special Puppet Theatre Show, a collaboration between the WHO and local artists. Through fun and engaging performances, the vital role of education in immunization and overall well-being was highlighted. FAO's side event honored young agricultural entrepreneurs, showcasing the bright future of agriculture and innovation in Albania. The afternoon brought a compelling presentation by UNOPS, demonstrating the success of cultural tourism in Kruja, empowered by UNOPS and EU4Culture Grants. The case study was a testament to the transformative power of sustainable tourism. Empowerment took center stage as UN Women Albania and partners shared crucial self-defense tools. They emphasized the importance of safe communities for gender equality and self-care, leaving a message of strength and unity. As the sun began to set, the heart of Tirana echoed with captivating rhythms turned into dance through the folk ensemble Shqiponja, supported by the Municipality of Tirana. The performance was a tribute to Albania's rich folk-art heritage, a celebration of tradition and culture. The evening brought the enchanting 'Pleqtë e Krujës' folk group, weaving a tapestry of Albanian folk songs that resonated deep within the hearts of the audience. This show, organized by UNOPS, was an unforgettable journey through Albanian folklore. As twilight settled in, the stage was graced by young refugee artists, their performance a poignant testament to resilience and talent. Their cultural expression left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witnessed it. The event at the Square ended on a powerful note, with a theater performance advocating for peace, trust, and equality in the face of hate speech. Organized by UNFPA and UNDP, supported by PBF, it was a call for unity and understanding.  Our young partners from the UN Albania Youth Advisory Board (UNYAG) effectively moderated the afternoon events. Other members of UNYAG participated in in several events that were part of UN Week Albania 2023. The grand finale for the UN Day in Tirana was the SDG Business Pioneers Awards gala at the National Museum of Albania. Leaders dedicated to sustainability were honored, their contributions to the SDGs celebrated in a night of recognition and inspiration.   Day 3: United Nations in Shkodra The rain could not stop the UN journey to the ancient city of Shkodra, rich in history and culture, where new stories were poised to unfold. The UN Country team meets with Mayor of Shkodra, Mr. Benet Beci, to kick start a great #UNDay in Shkodra. At the same day UNICEF and the Municipality of Shkodra signed an agreement agreement that aims to enable various tech programmes & trainings that will empower children and youth with 21st century skills as part of the project named 'BiblioTech'. The day in Shkodra was an opportunity to see some of the projects that the UN agencies run in the city. Members of the UNCT had a chance to visit UNICEF's BiblioTech Project, part of the program "Transforming the National Response to Human Trafficking in and from Albania," which is supported by the government of the United Kingdom. The UNCT also visited the city’s maternity hospital, where UNFPA is supporting the improvement of healthcare services and capacities of healthcare personnel on two most common life threatening conditions of new mothers - Postpartum Hemorrhage and Eclampsia/PreEclampsia. The UN far was then installed in the premises of the Shkodra City Hall and many activities followed. The video below summarizes the entire day in Shkodra. UNDP had an active exchange with citizens of Shkodra with "My Nature Pledge" initiative to make the case of the urgency of climate action. Additionally, UNDP - Breaking down barriers- project testimonies put to spotlight the need for inclusive justice. Meanwhile, the Cultural Heritage corner, a labor of love organized by UNOPS under the EU4Culture Programme, showcased the intricate artistry of local artisans. The importance of education in immunization and overall well-being was beautifully conveyed through a puppet theatre show organized by the WHO. The young audience was captivated, learning valuable lessons through a medium that resonated with them. Students of Vocational Education and Training schools in Shkodra had the opportunity to share their projects with UNICEF Albania Representative, Dr. Roberto de Bernardi and UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney during the UN Week tour. An extraordinary artistic performance wrapped up the UN Day in Shkodra, concluding UN Week Albania2023 on a high note.   

Silvana Subashi is a 47-year-old woman entrepreneur from Albania who is the administrator of Subashi Olive Oil, a cultivation and production oil company that has won many gold medals. A finance graduate with two children, Silvana will participate in the upcoming Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO 2023 satellite event, taking place on October 27 in Tirana, Albania. Silvana and her husband have been working for almost two decades in the business of olive oil and beyond. They started with an olive orchard and a factory and have since expanded to include two shops and around 2,000 olive trees in Marikaj, an area with the richest flora in the region where they also organize degustation guides. The area is now part of the Ancient Olive Orchard of Albania, a popular tourist destination. Silvana is also the President of the Albanian Olive Oil Association since 2014, and the company is part of the International Slow Food movement.     In 2005, we embarked on our entrepreneurial journey upon returning from Italy, where I completed my studies. Our vision was to contribute to our homeland by investing in it, and we made a significant move by acquiring an olive orchard in Marikaj, my husband's hometown. Furthermore, we established the region's very first olive processing facility. In the early days, it was a rather uncommon sight to have male customers visiting the factory. Many of them automatically assumed they should speak with a male owner during the processing stages or when finalizing deals. However, I'm delighted to note that times have changed. Today, it's a source of pride for us as we witness a growing number of women customers frequenting our factory and actively participating in olive processing activities. We are proud to have a workforce consisting of 13 women out of 15 who excel in various roles such as finance, sales in our shops, packaging of herbal teas, painting our wooden products, and crafting embroidery packages. Since starting our business, significant changes have unfolded, and I hope I have contributed. Engaging with various business and women's associations, I've persistently highlighted the issue of women's land ownership, which historically hindered their access to bank loans. In the past, only my husband could secure these loans. Despite the significant contributions of women in labor-intensive tasks such as olive harvesting and land cultivation, the profits from olive oil production and sales continued to be channeled into the hands of men. I argued that such an unequal system was unacceptable and advocated for a fairer distribution of property ownership. Recently, when my husband and I acquired a new property, it was an encouraging sign of progress—two certificates of ownership were issued by the notary, one for each of us. People often ask me about the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur and a mother of two. However, my approach has always been to turn potential difficulties into strengths. I've integrated my children into my work life; my son, now 20, used to help with client messages, and now my daughter is doing the same. We blend work and family, even transforming business trips into enjoyable family adventures by taking the children with us. I want to encourage women not to be afraid to start their own businesses. Success relies on self-belief. Just as we can raise responsible children, we can also build successful businesses. Launched in 2021, the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO is a unique partnership platform to promote women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem building in the Europe and Central Asia region. EXPO provides an interactive space for women entrepreneurs, investors and private sector representatives for networking and collaboration, peer learning, ideas generation, capacity building and business development. EXPO 2023 is organized by UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Yıldız Holding as part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator supported by Mary Kay.    *The original story can be found here.

Dear partners, colleagues and friends, Welcome to the 32nd edition of our Delivering for Development newsletter bringing the latest updates from across the UN System in Albania over the last quarter. This issue provides an overview of our ongoing work towards #SustainableDevelopment, set against the backdrop of concurrent events like the UN General Assembly (UNGA). In an interview for Albanian Daily News earlier this month (refer to the 'What's New' section), I outlined the anticipated developments in New York this September, particularly in relation to SDGs. Following up on the highlights from the UNGA, a significant milestone was the endorsement of the Political Declaration on SDGs during the SDG Summit. This declaration reaffirms our commitment to the 2030 Agenda, acknowledging progress while recognizing existing gaps and challenges. It emphasizes the collective call to action to guide our world towards 2030. In line with this commitment, we are pleased to share a comprehensive newsletter underscoring the importance of action. It highlights collaborative efforts between the UN system in Albania, development partners, and the Albanian Government, our initiatives to address climate change and protect the environment, advance inclusive economic development, eliminate barriers, and create opportunities for marginalized communities and much more. We wish you a pleasant read, Fiona McCluney
Resident Coordinator
United Nations Albania     You can access the #Delivering4Development Newsletter here.

How do we transform the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from mere words on paper into tangible improvements for the citizens of Albania? The SDGs, adopted by Albania and 192 other nations in 2015, provide the blueprint for creating a better and more just world for all. As Albania and the world approach the 2030 deadline for their achievements, UNDP and partners work to turn the SDGs into a living reality for the people of Albania. The SDGs remain at the forefront of UNDP's daily agenda, guiding all our initiatives to contribute to their fulfilment. In collaboration with USAID Albania, we walk our talk through our joint commitment in Durrës. Together, we are translating these goals into transformative actions for vulnerable communities—those at risk of being left behind. Empowering Communities: USAID-Funded Resilience Centers are Making a Difference Funded by USAID/Albania and implemented by UNDP, the Improving Community Resilience project is sparking hope by strengthening community resilience and paving the way for a better future for marginalized groups. At the core of the project are three resilience centers positioned in Durrës, Lezha, and Kurbin. The Resilience Center in Durrës, operating in partnership with the Durrës Municipality and the civil society organization "Today for the Future," is providing vital integrated social services to marginalized communities in need. A cornerstone of their support system is the mobile service initiative. So far, staff of the resilience center are providing social support services to seventy-two individuals as per their needs. This group encompasses people with disabilities, the elderly, disadvantaged children, youth, and individuals from socio-economically challenged families, including female heads of households. Recognizing the importance of mental health and overall well-being, the project has also introduced psychological support services, speech therapy, and physiotherapy sessions for people–particularly children–with disabilities, with a keen focus on children. Another crucial aspect of this project is its Afterschool Program, serving as a vital educational resource for youth from marginalized communities. It establishes a safe environment for children to attend classes after their regular school hours. This initiative offers children with individualized support for school assignments and helps them develop essential learning skills. 28 children are actively participating thus far, including children from ethnic minority groups and children with disabilities. This showcases the project's commitment to inclusivity and uplifting children facing unique challenges. Additionally, the project is aiding victims of domestic violence, extending support to women and vulnerable children.
Moreover, the Resilience Center staff has launched the Employment Mentoring Program with a particular focus on empowering women. The Employment Mentoring Program links individuals with businesses and mentors them through the process or supports them with vocational training providing growth and opportunities. Currently, 10 vulnerable women, including women heads of households and victims of gender violence, are participating in this program. Moving forward, the project will continue to align efforts with the Regional Employment Directorate and the Vocational Training Center, thus working towards a more prosperous and resilient community. The USAID-Albania-funded Improving Community Resilience project is establishing a model of support for marginalized communities affected by exclusion, discrimination, and conflict. Implemented by UNDP, the project targets three municipalities: Durrës, Lezha, and Kurbin. Stay tuned as we provide updates on how this project is profoundly impacting lives and helping Albania advance sustainable development goals. 
 
*The original story can be found here.