Albania welcomes the UNDP Country Program Document 2027–2031 as an important framework for strengthening our partnership and supporting the country’s development priorities. Developed through close collaboration, this CPD represents a genuine partnership between the Albanian Government, civil society, and UNDP.
Fully aligned with the UN Cooperation Framework Albania 2027 – 2031 and our National Strategy for Development and European Integration, the document focuses on three interconnected areas: inclusive human capital development; sustainable economic transformation and inclusive green growth; and governance, rule of law and human rights. These areas respond to many of the opportunities and challenges facing Albania and provide a comprehensive basis for continued cooperation.
Investing in people remains essential to Albania’s long-term development. We welcome the CPD’s focus on improving education and skills, strengthening links between vocational training and labor-market needs, and expanding employment opportunities, particularly for young people, women and persons with disabilities. Equally important is strengthening social protection and community-based services, ensuring that vulnerable groups have better access to opportunities and essential services. These efforts will contribute to stronger social cohesion and help ensure that economic progress benefits society as a whole.
We also attach great importance to the CPD’s focus on sustainable and inclusive economic transformation. Supporting SMEs in improving productivity, innovation and competitiveness will be critical to creating quality employment and strengthening Albania’s position in regional and European markets. At the same time, the transition toward a greener and more climate-resilient economy requires continued investment in biodiversity, sustainable natural resource management, climate adaptation and mitigation, disaster-risk reduction and access to climate finance. We see considerable potential for UNDP to support innovative approaches that can mobilize additional resources and encourage greater private-sector participation.
Strengthening governance, the rule of law and human rights remains another essential area of cooperation. Albania will continue its efforts to modernize public administration, strengthen public financial management, advance decentralization and reinforce institutional integrity and anti-corruption measures. Continued support for justice institutions, access to legal aid, human rights protection and independent oversight will also contribute to strengthening public trust and the rule of law.
We particularly welcome the CPD’s attention to digitalization, innovation and artificial intelligence. Albania has made important progress in digital public services, and we see technology as an important driver of modernization, efficiency and competitiveness. At the same time, digital transformation must remain inclusive and responsible, with appropriate attention to data protection, privacy, cybersecurity and equal access to digital opportunities.
Across these areas, gender equality and the principle of leaving no one behind should remain central to our cooperation. Development must address inequalities and ensure that people in vulnerable situations can participate fully in Albania’s economic and social progress. Strengthening municipalities, civic participation and the role of civil society will be particularly important in bringing reforms closer to communities.
The document also provides a strong basis for broad and diversified partnerships. Albania values UNDP’s cooperation with the Government at national and local levels, as well as its engagement with the European Union, international financial institutions, development partners, the private sector, civil society and academia. Such partnerships can help mobilize financing, share expertise and scale up successful initiatives.
Looking ahead, we encourage a continued focus on national ownership, institutional capacity and sustainable results. UNDP’s role is particularly valuable where it can provide policy expertise, facilitate partnerships, support innovation and help translate international experience into solutions adapted to Albania’s context.
The Country Program Document 2027–2031 therefore represents an important opportunity to deepen our cooperation and support Albania’s reform and development journey. Our shared ambition is to build a more competitive, inclusive, green and resilient Albania, where stronger institutions and greater opportunities translate into better lives for all citizens.
