Press Release

The second National Forum on Quality and Standards: A step towards a sustainable future for Albania

19 November 2024

News from UNIDO

Tirana hosted today the 2nd National Forum on Quality and Standards, an important event that brought together leaders, decision-makers, industry experts, and representatives from both the public and private sectors. Organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the forum focused on advancing sustainability, inclusiveness, and quality as essential pillars for Albania's development and its path to European Union integration. The event was centered around the theme “Empowering Change: Quality and Standards for People, Planet, and Prosperity.”

Photo: © UNIDO Albania

As part of the Global Quality and Standards Program, the forum attracted over 200 participants, including government officials, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), policymakers, and technical experts. Among the key speakers were Mrs. Dorina Nati, UNIDO Representative in Vienna; Ms. Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator in Albania; and Ms. Ruth Huber, Swiss Ambassador to Albania. Each speaker underscored the critical role of quality infrastructure and standards in driving sustainable development and in facilitating Albania's integration into the European Union.

Caption: Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator in Albania

Throughout the forum, the importance of quality infrastructure in fostering Albania’s sustainable development and increasing its access to global markets was a key point of discussion. Experts focused on metrology, standardization, accreditation, and conformity assessment as essential elements for ensuring compliance with international standards and fostering innovation. A particular emphasis was placed on the role of SMEs, especially in agriculture, as key drivers of innovation within the country. Digitalization also emerged as a solution to overcoming challenges such as limited resources and outdated technologies that often hinder the growth of Albanian businesses.

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Caption: H.E. Mrs. Ruth Huber, Swiss Ambassador to Albania
Photo: © UNIDO Albania

A central theme at the forum was the importance of aligning Albania’s national standards with those of the European Union. This alignment is seen as crucial not only for Albania’s EU integration but also for ensuring the competitiveness of Albanian products in international markets. The forum called for increased collaboration between government, industry, and international organizations to create a robust quality infrastructure that can support Albania’s economic and social development.

The speakers provided valuable insights into how Albania can achieve a more competitive and sustainable future through quality and standards. Mrs. Dorina Nati emphasized that quality infrastructure is vital for Albania’s growth, stating that it would enhance the competitiveness of local businesses and open doors to international markets. Ruth Huber, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Albania, echoed this point, urging the country to harmonize its national standards with European norms to build a more competitive economy based on trust and transparency. Ms. Fiona McCluney, the UN Resident Coordinator, discussed the broader role of quality standards in promoting sustainable development, highlighting the importance of gender equality, environmental sustainability, and digitalization in shaping Albania's future.

The forum concluded with a commitment to continue strengthening Albania's quality infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. The discussions marked a significant step toward a future where quality and sustainability are central to Albania’s growth and its position in the global economy. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, Albania is poised to embrace the changes necessary to ensure its long-term success, both within the European Union and on the global stage.

 

UN entities involved in this initiative

UNIDO
United Nations Industrial Development Organization

Goals we are supporting through this initiative