Vodafone commits to work with UN agencies to support the Sustainable Development Goals in Albania

UN Resident Coordinator Fiona McCluney and Vodafone Albania CEO Katia Stathaki have signed a cooperation agreement that supports Albania’s drive to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.

The ‘Joint Declaration of Intent concerning cooperation in meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Albania’ projects a strategic partnership focusing on some of the most pressing issues that need to be addressed globally, from poverty, climate, environmental protection, health and gender-based violence.

The United Nations in Albania works with the country’s Government and a wide range of development partners, including the private sector, to maximize support and accelerate the implementation of Albania's commitments to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted by the international community in 2015.

Speaking to the media during the signing event, Ms. McCluney underlined the important role that cooperation with the private sector has, especially in the face of the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“We are living in extraordinary times and the Covid-19 pandemic is teaching us that global challenges can be tackled and overcome only through coordinated action. Business is a vital partner of the UN in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which explicitly call on and present an opportunity for the private sector to apply their creativity, innovation, and financing to address the biggest sustainable development challenges," Ms. McCluney said.

Ms. Stathaki expressed optimism for the role that technology can play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and in the fight against the major problems that the world, including Albania, faces today.

“On behalf of Vodafone Albania, I want to express my pride that we are signing this agreement with the United Nations in Albania today. Technology can help reduce inequalities by providing access to basic services, such as e-health or online education. It can also be used by governments to network citizens through e-government tools and improve stakeholder engagement and information management. We truly believe that Vodafone technology can be made available to Albanian citizens to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals together," Ms. Stathaki said.

As part of the agreement, Vodafone Albania commits to providing technology and Internet of Things (IoT) products to assist UN agencies in Albania in delivering sustainable development. In the words of Vodafone representatives, this commitment adds to investments that the company has undertaken in campaigns and initiatives with social impact, from the environment and the economy, to efforts to halt violence against women.