Albania Highlights People-Centred Solutions at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha

The Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) convened Heads of State, governments, and international partners in Doha for a pivotal moment to renew and reinvigorate global commitments to social justice, inclusion, and sustainable development. Moving beyond declarations alone, the summit placed a strong emphasis on practical, country-led solutions. Albania featured prominently, sharing concrete examples of how global commitments are being translated into measurable progress on the ground.

Albania’s participation was led by a high-level delegation headed by H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, President of the Republic of Albania, and included Ms. Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania, who actively participated in the summit in her role coordinating UN support to national priorities and representing the UN development system at country level. Throughout the week, Ms. Macdonald engaged in high-level discussions, moderated thematic sessions, and presented Albania’s experience in advancing inclusive social development in close partnership with the Government and UN agencies.

A central outcome of the summit was the adoption of the Doha World Social Summit Political Declaration, reaffirming that social development is both a moral imperative and a cornerstone of peace, stability, and sustainable growth. The Declaration calls for collective action to end poverty and inequality through stronger social systems, create decent jobs through skills and inclusion, unlock financing for developing countries, and ensure that no one is left behind. These priorities echoed the message of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasized that true development must be rooted in social justice, full employment, and human dignity.

As a pathfinder country of the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, supported by the United Nations Joint SDG Fund, Albania showcased progress in aligning decent work, social protection, and just transition policies. In sessions focused on decent work and social protection, Ms. Macdonald moderated discussions highlighting country-led investments supported by the International Labour Organization. Albania’s Deputy Minister, Dr. Olta Manjani, presented the country’s achievements, demonstrating how integrated labour and social protection reforms are delivering inclusive growth and tangible results for citizens.

Digital innovation and data-driven inclusion were also central themes. During a solutions session on inclusive digital economies, Albania demonstrated how farmers are being supported through improved access to data, digital tools, and a newly established Farmers’ Portal, enabling more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. These initiatives form part of the Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART) flagship joint programme, which advances rural inclusion while harnessing innovation in support of the SDGs.

At a Joint SDG Fund side event, Albania further highlighted its High Impact Track (HIT) programmes, which are strengthening social protection systems, advancing child rights, and promoting inclusion nationwide. In parallel, discussions on future skills and labour mobility, including an International Organization for Migration side event, showcased Albania’s integrated approach to skills development, lifelong learning, and migration governance. Initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee and cross-border skills recognition aim to ensure that young people, migrants, and vulnerable groups can access decent work and new opportunities.

Throughout the summit, Ms. Macdonald also engaged with senior UN leadership, briefing on how country-level action in Albania is translating global commitments into tangible progress on equality, social protection, decent work, and digital inclusion. These exchanges reinforced the importance of strong partnerships, integrated policies, and evidence-based decision-making.

As WSSD2 concluded, Albania’s contribution sent a clear message: meaningful social development requires collaboration, data, and innovation, anchored in national leadership and supported by multilateral cooperation. Together with UN partners, civil society, and development allies, Albania reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable social development, ensuring that no one is left behind.