Durrës, Albania – The Archaeological Museum of Durrës has been fully restored, strengthened, and equipped with modern visitor facilities under the EU4Culture programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports (MTKS).Severely damaged by the 2019 earthquake, the museum has been carefully rehabilitated and transformed into a resilient cultural landmark that preserves and presents Albania’s archaeological heritage. The completion of works was marked by an official ceremony attended by H.E. Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania; Prime Minister Edi Rama; Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja; UNOPS Country Manager for Albania and Kosovo Sabine Kania; United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania Ingrid Macdonald; as well as ambassadors, partners, and community representatives.  H.E. Prime Minister Edi Rama: “The major restoration of numerous cultural heritage sites following the devastating earthquake of a few years ago was made possible through strong solidarity and close cooperation with the European Union. Through the EU4CULTURE programme, the EU provided vital support, and we did everything on our part through the right projects and the necessary commitment, to move this work forward and continue advancing it, as several sites are still under restoration. This is a truly transformative effort that speaks for itself, as reflected even in the external appearance of this museum, which has been fully reimagined inside, enriching the museum narrative and bringing the entire institution to a new level.  Speaking at the event, H.E. EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato said: “Proud to see the Archaeological Museum reopening its doors and showing the rich multilayered heritage of Albania. People often say that the EU is a faceless and heartless bureaucracy, yet programmes like EU4Culture demonstrate that solidarity lies at its core. This programme goes beyond restoring cultural heritage; it has helped revitalise Albania’s cultural landscape after the 2019 earthquake while engaging local communities and supporting artists. Through strong partnerships with central and local authorities, the programme has delivered tangible results by reopening sites in all municipalities affected by the tragic earthquake, boosting tourism and creating new opportunities for local economies. As Albania moves forward in its EU path, these revitalised spaces will continue to foster creativity, strengthen cultural identity and contribute to sustainable development.”Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja said: “A historic moment for the Archaeological Museum of Durrës and for the city itself, which regains a fully transformed space invested in the preservation and development of our cultural heritage. With new operational standards, improved conditions, and a reimagined exhibition, we are returning to Durrës and to the public a new museum; fully restored, almost reborn, where over 3,200 artefacts elegantly narrate the past across redesigned pavilions. A new curatorial concept highlights the key themes of the museum’s narrative and the major historical periods, while also allowing for the continuous enrichment and updating of the exhibition with new discoveries. Among them, the most remarkable is the “Beauty of Durrës” mosaic, now returned home. This project, carried out in cooperation with the European Union through the EU4Culture programme and implemented by UNOPS, stands as a clear testament to our commitment to safeguarding our identity and transforming it into a valuable asset for future development.I would like to express my gratitude to all the institutions and individuals involved in the EU4Culture projects; project designers, collaborators, and everyone who contributed to this highly complex process: the National Institute of Cultural Heritage, the National Institute for Cultural Heritage Registration, the Durrës Museum Centre, the authors Iris Pojani, Lorenc Bejko, Belisa Muka, and Luan Përzhita; and the curator Yllka Gjikopuli.Special thanks go to those who worked on site: Sabina Veseli, Eda Andoni, Elvana Metalla, and Gjergji Vinjahu. Particular appreciation is extended to Lejla Hadžić, who over the years has become, more than ever, truly Albanian.” United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms Ingrid Macdonald said: “As the United Nations in Albania, we are proud to support the restoration of the Archaeological Museum of Durrës through the EU4Culture programme, an important testament to Albania’s rich heritage and resilience. Over the past five years, EU4Culture, an ambitious partnership between the European Union, the Government of Albania, and UNOPS has restored 23 heritage sites, created over 64,000 working days, and engaged more than 12,000 people, many through women-led initiatives. The Archaeological Museum of Durres will generate lasting cultural, economic, and social benefits for Durrës and beyond. This investment is not only in cultural heritage, but in the welfare and prosperity of people and communities.”The intervention at the Archaeological Museum of Durrës included full structural rehabilitation, repair of earthquake damage, improved visitor accessibility, and the creation of improved museum displays and narrative. The largest archaeological museum in Albania, houses more than 2,800 artefacts from excavations in and around the ancient city of Dyrrhachium. The Archaeological Museum of Durrës is an intervention under the EU4Culture programme, a €40 million investment by the European Union, representing the largest EU investment in cultural heritage in the Western Balkans. The programme supports the restoration and revitalization of 23 heritage sites across Albania.The programme has also supported community development and cultural engagement, reaching over 12,000 people through grants and initiatives that promote both tangible and intangible heritage, including crafts, traditions, music, cuisine, and local knowledge. 

Belsh is famous for its eighty-five lakes. Yet the real heartbeat of this region grows on its hillsides, where olive trees shape livelihoods, identity, and economic potential.For Aldo Jolla, 33, olives became the path home.After more than twenty years in Greece — where Aldo and his father built a successful construction company — his family decided in 2020 to return permanently to Albania. Their land in Belsh was rich with olives: 1,200 trees planted by the family. One day at a local mill, curiosity sparked his next chapter.“How much does it cost to build an oil factory?” he asked.“Forget it,” came the answer. “It’s almost impossible.”Instead of deterring him, this pushed Aldo to try. He secured credit and by 2021, opened a modern olive oil factory in Belsh. To strengthen its competitiveness, capacities, and business expansion in the local and international market, Jolla Olive Oil participated in the Growing with Your Business (GYB) methodology, delivered by UNDP through the joint UN Project “Business Partnerships and Solutions for the SDGs,” supported by Sweden and implemented by UNDP with FAO, UNIDO, and ILO.GYB is a proven UNDP business support tool used globally for over 15 years. It helps small and medium-sized enterprises sharpen management skills, improve market readiness, and integrate more effectively into local and international value chains. In Belsh, the programme is implemented in close cooperation with the municipality.Twelve businesses — selected from twenty-eight potential beneficiaries — are receiving a six-month package of support that includes:100 hours of tailored 1-on-1 consultancySpecialized training in branding, sales, and market expansionGrants of up to 270,000 ALL to upgrade equipment.Upgraded commercial image (including logos, flyers, business cards, product catalogues, etc.)For Jolla Olive Oil, this delivered: improved operations, quality management, commercialization, market and finance access, customer relationships, new partnerships, marketing & communication guidance, a professional website, stronger branding, and hands-on export support. “I never imagined we could sell online or reach international buyers,” Aldo says. “The consultant helped us think bigger — far beyond what we thought possible.”Today, Jolla Olive Oil produces between 60 and 150 tons of extra virgin olive oil annually. The factory sits on 6,000 m² of family-owned land and operates with a 55 kW solar installation. Olives are processed within 24 hours using cold extraction methods to preserve quality.Traceability is a core operational pillar, reinforcing compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP control standards, while strengthening product safety and market credibility.Aldo's approach reflects a commitment to sustainability, operational improvement, and long-term value creation rather than short-term production volume", explains Ana Kekezi, project business consultant. "Many small producers have heritage; fewer have structured management discipline behind that heritage. That is where Jolla Olive Oil stands apart." In 2024 alone, the company collaborated with over 500 local farmers.Aldo sees growth as a collaborative effort: “If demand grows beyond our capacity, we’ll work with other factories. Partnership is the way forward.”Environmental responsibility underpins every decision. By-products are reused for soil enrichment or biofuel. Solar energy powers operations. Synthetic inputs are avoided as the company works toward organic certification. For the Jolla family, sustainability is not a slogan — it is routine.Looking back, in just five years what began as a modest family-run processing facility has transformed into an emerging exporter, placing Belsh olive oil on international shelves and demonstrating that, with structured business support, Albanian entrepreneurs can confidently compete beyond borders. This is the tangible difference GYB has made — and continues to make — by turning local potential into global opportunity. “This programme is redefining what’s possible for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. By strengthening their competitiveness, sharpening their business practices, and opening pathways to local and international markets, it is turning local ambition into regional economic growth. When small businesses scale, entire communities move forward,”- says Drilona Toslluku, Project Manager.###Jolla Olive Oil is preparing to expand into the EU, UK, and US markets. Its trademark is already registered in the UK, and discussions with Tesco are underway.For Aldo, international expansion is not about selling more — it is about meeting higher standards, ensuring consistency, premium quality, and helping position Belsh as a Mediterranean hub for premium olive oil.Aldo’s story shows how migration can build expertise, how setbacks can sharpen direction, and how a single discouraging sentence can fuel ambition. It also highlights the value of partnership — between families, between businesses, and between local entrepreneurs.Belsh may have eighty-five lakes.But its future is being shaped in the olive groves.And if you’re choosing olive oil, consider Jolla.

From the football field to the national policy stage in Albania, this year’s International Women’s Day reminded me that progress is real — but the work is far from done.

⚽𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀
   
I joined the Women’s Mini Football Tournament organized by UN Women and the Albanian Football Association (FSHF - Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit). Teams from civil society, media, the diplomatic community, and the UN came together for friendly matches celebrating teamwork, solidarity, and leadership.  

Beyond the impressive ball skills, the tournament showed how sport creates spaces for women and girls to gain confidence, visibility, and community. A special thanks to the professional female footballers who inspired everyone on the field. 

⚖️ 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀

I also participated in the National Conference on Women’s Access to Justice, co-organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania, the Ministry of Justice of Albania, the Office of the Ombudsperson of Albania, the European Union, UN Women Albania, the Embassy of Sweden in Albania, and other partners. 
As United Nations Secretary General António Guterres reminds us, gender inequality remains one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time — and the most transformative solutions all have one thing in common: women.
  
Together with 🇪🇺 Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and Deputy Director for UN Women Regional Office ECA Elisa Fernandez, we reflected on Albania’s progress in strengthening justice institutions and aligning laws with international standards and the EU acquis. 

Yet evidence from the Albanian Femicide Observatory shows that many women still face barriers: lengthy court proceedings, limited legal aid, and gaps between legislation and implementation. Women in vulnerable situations — rural women, women with disabilities, and Roma and Egyptian women — face even greater obstacles.

I am grateful to all institutions, CSOs, UN colleagues, and partners working tirelessly toward this goal — and especially the frontline responders, community workers, and volunteers supporting women and girls every day.

The message of #IWD2026 is clear: progress requires persistence. Together, we must ensure every woman and girl can claim her rights, access justice, and live free from violence and discrimination. 

 

A while ago, UNDP asked people across Albania a simple question: What does Social Justice Day mean to you? What is social justice, really? The answers were as diverse as the people who shared them. Some spoke about fairness in schools and streets. Others talked about ending poverty, or making sure everyone has access to education. A few described it as the right to be seen, heard, and valued, regardless of where you come from. Different words, different perspectives—but one shared truth emerged: social justice is about dignity, equal opportunity, and protection from vulnerability, so that no one is left to struggle alone in the shadows.That truth comes alive most clearly in the stories of women like Vjollca and Fabiola. On this International Day of Social Justice, their journeys remind us that social justice is not an abstract idea debated in conference rooms or reduced to numbers in a report. It is built slowly and deliberately—through skills, protection, emotional support, and the quiet determination to turn survival into security. Vjollca knows the kind that wears you down year after year. For a long time, she worked informally in Vora, cleaning homes and taking whatever work, she could find. There was no contract, no social insurance, no safety net. Like so many women in similar situations, her choices were limited. As a mother raising a young son, while also managing her own health challenges, economic insecurity was a constant presence in her life.Her turning point came in late 2025. Between October and November, Vjollca attended every session of a housekeeping training course offered by UNDP through the UN Joint Programme Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania (LEAP), funded by the Joint SDG Fund. She often arrived hand in hand with her little boy, determined not to miss a single day.The training gave her professional skills as a cleaning specialist—but it offered much more than that. Through sessions on work ethics, labour rights, and emotional empowerment facilitated closely by the National Agency of Employment and Skills and a local NGO called “HAP” Network, Vjollca began to understand her own value as a worker and the importance of social insurance. She gained not only knowledge, but confidence. Today, she is formally employed and has social insurance She feels safer, more protected, and far more aware of her rights. Those who worked with her describe her as a woman of strong character, with eyes full of light—the kind that comes from someone who has endured hardship and still chooses to stand tall. A different, yet equally powerful journey unfolds in the story of Fabiola, a 35-year-old mother. After moving from a remote area of Tropoja to Shkodra, Fabiola found herself alone, divorced, and without family support. With little work experience and no stable income, she faced deep socio-economic hardship. In 2022, after experiencing domestic violence, she turned to the organization Gruaja tek Gruaja, where she received emergency shelter alongside psycho-social and legal support.Through an individualized reintegration plan, Fabiola’s interest in professional training and economic independence became clear. She was selected as one of 15 women to take part in a four-month vocational training programme on long-term care for older persons and persons with disabilities, delivered in partnership with the Public Vocational Training Centre in Shkodra. There, she gained both theoretical and practical skills—from psycho-emotional support and first aid to hygiene standards, medication management, and the use of assistive devices.After completing the programme and earning her certification as a long-term care assistant, Fabiola moved into a practical placement in social care institutions, supported by the project and the Municipality of Shkodra. She is now transitioning toward formal employment and is in line for inclusion in the municipality’s local employment programme for home-based care services—part of an integrated care model the project is helping to build. At the same time, she openly shares her experience through project outreach activities, inspiring other women to believe that change is possible.“The stories of Vjollca and Fabiola show what social justice looks like when social protection, skills development, and decent employment are woven together. By addressing both economic and emotional barriers—and by moving beyond short-term support—the LEAP programme, funded by the Joint SDG Fund, is helping women in vulnerable situations step into formal work, social security, and a renewed sense of dignity”-says Randi Davis, UNDP Resident Representative.Their journeys are part of a wider transformation. Across Albania, LEAP has supported more than 1,000 vulnerable individuals—primarily women, young people, and families receiving economic aid. In 2025 alone, 864 households accessed integrated social and employment services, while 357 women and young people moved into employment, many for the first time. Through pilot initiatives in six municipalities, the programme has also helped grow the care economy, with 93 women securing paid roles in long-term care—turning unpaid or informal caregiving into dignified, protected work.On this International Day of Social Justice, the stories of Vjollca, Fabiola, and so many others offer quiet but powerful proof: when vulnerability meets opportunity, integrated support, and belief in second chances, lives change—and communities grow stronger.Social justice wears a human face. It looks like Vjollca arriving at training with her son by her side. Like Fabiola earning her certification as a caregiver. Like 93 women stepping into paid care roles with rights and security. 
It is not abstract—it is real, tangible, and transformative. Vulnerability becomes strength. Informal becomes formal. Survival becomes thriving. And when we keep investing in these bridges, we move closer to a world where dignity is not a privilege, but every woman’s birthright.###The programme is funded by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, and UN Women, in partnership with the Government of Albania.