Albania’s accession to the United Nations on December 14, 1955, is a landmark event in our country's history. Shortly after joining the UN, Albania participated actively in the work of the organs and specialized agencies of the UN. Albania holds permanent diplomatic missions at the UN headquarters in New York and the UN Offices in Geneva and Vienna.
The United Nations Organization
The United Nations Organization (UN) is the largest organization in the world, which aims at preserving international security and promoting economic development and social equality. It was founded after World War II , on 24 October 1945, as an initiative of the allies of World War II (USA , China , Britain , Soviet Union and France ) , aiming at strengthening cooperation between the countries of the world , to foster economic development and to maintain the world peace .
During the Cold War, the UN has played a major role in reducing conflicts in a polarized world. Despite major changes in the world after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the UN has been able to maintain its authority in dealing with new security challenges. UN member countries share the view , while the modern world is becoming more globalized, we need an international organization capable of acting effectively to resolve the conflicts worldwide. Today the UN is involved in a number of initiatives and activities that seek to resolve global issues of great importance for the future of humanity.
During its membership in the United Nations, Albania has paid particular attention to issues related to the preservation of peace and strengthening of security worldwide, the promotion and protection of human rights, alleviating economic and social problems, promotion of health and environmental protection and strengthening of international cooperation in the fields of culture and science .
Recently Albania has been actively supporting the UN peacekeeping efforts. It takes part in several UN peacekeeping operations by contributing with troops, military and police observers as well as contributing with funds to the budget of peacekeeping operations.
Albania was twice elected member of ECOSOC for the period 2005-07 and the period 2013-15. During the latter term, Albania has served as Vice- President of ECOSOC.
In 2007 Albania was selected as one of eight pilot countries to implement the “One UN" initiative in the framework of international efforts to reform the UN. During the International Conference “Delivering as One ", held on 27-29 June 2012 in Tirana, Albania was internationally praised for its contribution and its national experience toward further elaboration of the “One UN” concept.
Albania has been a member of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from September 2007 to September 2009.
Albania was elected to the Executive Board of UN- HABITAT for the term 2011 -2013.
Albania was elected to the Executive Board of UNICEF for the term 2012 -2014.
Albania was elected to the Executive Board of UNEP for the period 2012-2015.
Albania was elected to the Executive Board of UNESCO for the period 2013-2015. For 2014, Albania was elected Vice President of the Executive Board of UNESCO.
Albania was elected to the Executive Board of WHO for the period 2013-2015.
Albania has held the post of President of the 10th Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention (antipersonnel mines).
Albania is member in the HRC for the period 2015-2017
Future candidatures for membership to:
UN Security Council (non-permanent member) for the period 2022-2023.
Vice President of the 75th session UN General Assembly.
Albania in UNIDO
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) was founded in 1966 and has 173 member states. UNIDO aims at supporting industrial development to improve the quality of life in developing countries. UNIDO operates through three bodies: the General Conference, the Industrial Development Board and the Budget and Programme Committee. Albania is a member of UNIDO since 19 April 1988. Since June 2009 the cooperation with this organization is being carried out under the framework of the "One UN" and is focused on two main projects: "Clean Manufacturing" and "Project Ozone". The National Ozone Office was created at the Ministry of Environment of Albania, in line with the implementation of the Montréal Protocol.
Albania in UNODC
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global organization leading the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It was established in 1997 and operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices. It relies on voluntary contributions, mainly from governments, for 90% of its budget, and helps member states in the fight against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism. UNODC work program is based on the following pillars:
• Technical cooperation projects in the field, so as to enhance the capacity of member states to combat illicit drugs, crime and terrorism,
• Research and studies to expand knowledge on drugs and crime issues,
• Normative support to member states in the ratification and implementation of international treaties and the development of domestic legislation in the field of narcotics, crime and terrorism.
Albania's cooperation with UNODC is focused on the implementation of the Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe titled "Combating illicit trafficking and organized crime to improve governance, justice and security" for the period 2012-15. This is the second cycle of the programme (first cycle covered the period 2009-2012) and is built on three main pillars:
• illegal drug trafficking and organized crime,
• strengthening the integrity of the justice system,
• prevention, treatment and care of persons with drug addiction.
Program performance is overseen by a Special Committee of Eastern European countries, which meets in Vienna twice a year. Albania gives full support to the new UNODC regional project for Southeastern Europe. She works closely with all countries of the region to achieve the project’s objectives. The Seaport of Durrës hosts the Joint Center of Container Control and a number of projects for the prevention, treatment and care of persons with drug addiction.