Excellencies,
Distinguished Chair,
Esteemed colleagues,

It is an honour for Albania to participate in the fifty-ninth session of the Commission on Population and Development, and a privilege to serve as Vice-Chair representing the Group of Eastern European States.

At a time of profound global transformation, this session’s focus on “Population, technology, and research in the context of sustainable development” could not be more timely. Demographic shifts are accelerating, technological change is redefining our societies, and the evidence base guiding our decisions has never been more critical.

For Albania, population dynamics are not abstract trends—they are lived realities shaping our development trajectory. Like many countries, we are navigating the complexities of demographic change: declining fertility, outward migration, and a steadily ageing population. These trends carry both risks and opportunities. They challenge us to rethink labour markets, social protection systems, and long-term economic planning, while also inviting us to innovate and adapt.

In this context, we see technology and research not as optional tools, but as essential enablers of effective policy. Data systems must be strengthened to ensure that decisions are grounded in reliable, timely, and disaggregated evidence. At the same time, digital transformation must be inclusive—bridging, rather than widening, existing inequalities.

Albania’s approach is guided by three key priorities.

First, investing in data and research capacity. We believe that sustainable development policies must be underpinned by robust demographic analysis. This includes improving civil registration and vital statistics systems, enhancing population projections, and ensuring that data captures emerging realities—whether related to migration flows, ageing, or unforeseen shocks such as pandemics and environmental crises.

Second, harnessing technology for inclusion. Digital tools have the potential to expand access to services, improve governance, and empower citizens across the life course. However, this potential will only be realized if we actively address digital divides, including those affecting women, older persons, and vulnerable communities. Technology must be people-centred, rights-based, and aligned with broader global frameworks, including the Global Digital Compact.

Third, adopting a life-course approach to population policies. From youth to older persons, policies must ensure dignity, participation, and opportunity at every stage of life. In particular, we underscore the importance of addressing population ageing—not as a burden, but as a reflection of societal progress. Older persons must be recognized as active contributors to our economies and communities, and supported through inclusive health systems, social protection, and age-friendly environments.

Excellencies,

As we advance these priorities, Albania remains firmly committed to the full, effective, and accelerated implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development. We emphasize the importance of maintaining consensus-based language and building on existing intergovernmental agreements, as the foundation for constructive and inclusive outcomes in this Commission.

In our capacity as Vice-Chair, we are equally committed to facilitating an open, transparent, and balanced process throughout this session. We will continue to work closely with the Chair, fellow Bureau members, and all delegations to ensure that our deliberations are inclusive, respectful of diverse perspectives, and oriented towards practical, actionable outcomes.

We encourage all Member States to engage constructively, in a spirit of dialogue and compromise, recognizing that our shared objective is to advance sustainable development for all.

Let me conclude by emphasizing that demographic trends are not destiny—they are shaped by the policies we choose and the investments we make. By leveraging technology responsibly, strengthening our research capacities, and placing people at the centre of our efforts, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Albania stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that this session delivers meaningful and forward-looking results.

Thank you.