Business Partnerships & Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals

SUMMARY

(Access the latest project brief in English here and in Albanian here) 

The Business Partnerships & Solutions for Sustainable Development Goals (Business4SDGs) is a United Nations Joint Project (UNJP) supporting Albanian companies to integrate sustainability into their core operations. The project helps businesses become more resilient, productive and competitive while preparing them for the requirements of European markets.

As Albania advances towards EU membership, businesses face growing expectations around sustainability, resource efficiency, labour standards, product quality, traceability and responsible business conduct. Business4SDGs helps them respond through practical support to improve their operations and working conditions.

The project focuses on two sectors that are central to employment, exports and local economic development: agro-processing and textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF). It combines direct support to enterprises with broader efforts to improve business services, access to knowledge and finance, social dialogue and relevant policies.

Business4SDGs is funded by Sweden and implemented jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as lead agency, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

At a glance

Duration: January 2024 – December 2027

Budget: USD 4 million

Funding partner: Sweden

Implementing agencies: FAO, ILO, UNDP and UNIDO

Focus sectors: Agro-processing and textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF)

What the project does

Business4SDGs works through two connected areas: helping businesses make practical improvements and strengthening the wider system that supports them.

Helping businesses become more sustainable and competitive

The project provides companies with practical advice, training and tools to:

• improve productivity and business performance; 
• use energy, water and materials more efficiently; 
• improve working conditions and responsible business practices; 
• strengthen product quality and prepare for relevant standards; and 
• access finance, new markets and business networks. 

Strengthening the support available to businesses

The project works with public institutions, business organisations, financial institutions and local experts to:

• develop research, roadmaps and practical guidance; 
• improve business-support services and build local expertise; 
• strengthen dialogue between businesses, workers and policymakers; 
• connect enterprises with finance and national and international markets; and 

promote sustainable business leadership through the Business #2030 Conference and the SDG Business Pioneers Award

Read the Project Overview brochure here.