Albania and the United Nations Launch the Third Phase of the “Leave No One Behind” Programme

Tirana, 12 November 2025 – Together with UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women, we signed the third phase of the Leave No One Behind (LNB3) Programme at a ceremony held at the UN House in Tirana. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare Denada Seferi, Ambassador of Switzerland Ruth Huber, United Nations Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald, and representatives of the four UN agencies.

Deputy Minister Denada Seferi underlined the national importance of this new phase:
“The new phase of the Leave No One Behind programme is a cornerstone of Albania’s social reform journey. Together, we have built systems that are more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to people’s real needs. As we enter this new phase, our focus is on ensuring that these achievements are sustainable and embedded within our national structures. Leave No One Behind is not just a slogan for us — it is a promise, a moral and political commitment to ensure that every person in Albania can live with dignity and have a fair chance to build a better life.”

“Today’s signing marks an important milestone in a partnership that has delivered real impact for those who are too often left unseen. This final phase of Leave No One Behind is strategic — it’s about consolidating what we’ve achieved, transferring effective models to public institutions, and ensuring that Albania’s social protection reforms continue to grow sustainably. I am particularly proud of the inclusive and constructive way this phase has been designed — a true reflection of shared ownership and partnership. Switzerland remains committed to accompanying Albania on this journey, to ensure that no one is left behind,”
said Ruth Huber, Ambassador of Switzerland to Albania.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania, Ingrid Macdonald, highlighted the programme’s broader significance:
“This programme plays a vital role in advancing Albania’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. It reflects the global principle that underpins the entire 2030 Agenda — that every person matters, and that development must be inclusive and equitable. I would like to express our deep appreciation to the Government of Switzerland for their steadfast partnership and trust in our work. Switzerland’s long-standing support for social inclusion in Albania continues to strengthen national and local capacities, helping the country move closer to both the SDGs and its aspiration for EU membership.”

The third phase of the programme (2026–2027), funded by the Government of Switzerland with a CHF 2 million contribution, focuses on strengthening the capacities of national and local partners to sustain, fully utilize, and scale up the results achieved in previous phases. It aims to consolidate progress by ensuring the transfer of successful models to public institutions, while further developing Albania’s policy, operational, and financing frameworks for social care services. With a strong emphasis on empowering vulnerable and marginalized groups — including persons with disabilities, Roma communities, older persons, and families in need — LNB3 will support both civil society and government institutions to expand inclusive, quality social services and to embed sustainability and accountability within Albania’s social protection system. The programme is implemented by UNDP as lead agency together with UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other national and local institutions. The programme contributes directly to Albania’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and supports the country’s aspirations for European Union membership.