Mr. President,
We welcome the convening of this important ECOSOC Special Meeting at a time when disruptions in energy and supply flows continue to challenge global stability and sustainable development.
Recent crises have reminded us of a fundamental reality: in an interconnected world, disruptions in one region can rapidly generate consequences far beyond borders.
In the short term, disruptions in energy and supply flows increase the cost of living, drive food and energy inflation, interrupt production, and place additional strain on public finances. In the longer term, they risk slowing economic growth, widening inequalities, weakening social protection systems, and undermining progress toward the SDGs.
As a small, open economy closely connected to regional and international markets, we are aware of the vulnerabilities created by external shocks. Although Albania produces nearly all of its electricity from hydropower, the climate-related factors can significantly impact domestic electricity production, increasing the need for costly energy imports during periods of international market instability.
While the effects vary according to national circumstances, their consequences are global and as is often the case, the burden falls disproportionately on the most vulnerable, women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, who face risks of poverty, food insecurity, and reduced access to essential services. This reality calls for responses that are not only effective, but also equitable and inclusive.
In response, Albania undertook measures to protect households and businesses from severe price shocks, including efforts to stabilize domestic energy prices and targeted support to vulnerable populations. At the same time, we accelerated efforts to diversify energy sources through investments in solar and wind energy, while strengthening regional energy cooperation and interconnectivity in the Western Balkans.
These experiences reinforce an important lesson: resilience cannot be built during a crisis alone. It must be built beforehand, through diversified energy systems, stronger infrastructure, regional partnerships, digitalization, and institutions capable of responding rapidly to shocks.
Colleagues,
In an increasingly interconnected world, no country is immune to disruption, and no country can respond alone. Our collective response must therefore be rooted in solidarity, partnership, and an unwavering commitment to multilateral cooperation.
In this regard, the United Nations system has a critical role to play in supporting coordinated responses to food insecurity, energy access, trade disruptions, and shrinking fiscal space. Enhanced multilateral cooperation, improved early-warning systems, and stronger coordination across humanitarian, development, and financial actors are essential.
We must also recognize the important role of the private sector in fostering resilience through innovation, investment, and diversification. Public-private partnerships will remain essential in strengthening supply systems and advancing sustainable development.
Together, we can build more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive systems that better protect development gains and leave no one behind.
Thank you.
