Thank you to the Permanent Mission of  Kyrgyzstan  and UNDP for convening this timely meeting.

As a country with significant mountainous regions, we recognize their critical role for biodiversity, climate resilience, and local livelihoods. At the same time, these areas remain highly vulnerable to climate change and socio-economic challenges.

For Albania, sustainable mountain development is closely linked to inclusive governance and our broader reform agenda, including progress toward EU accession.

We underline in particular the importance of gender equality. Women and girls in mountain communities often face barriers to justice, economic participation, and decision-making. Strengthening legal frameworks must go hand in hand with effective implementation at the local level.

We also stress the importance of international cooperation and financing, including better integration of mountain priorities into climate frameworks and national development strategies. In this regard, we welcome initiatives such as the COP30 Dialogue on Mountains and Climate.

In conclusion,

Albania reaffirms its commitment to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable mountain development—ensuring that no community, and no woman or girl, is left behind.