New programme focuses on human capital, inclusive economic transformation, governance, environmental sustainability and human rights to support Albania’s EU accession and sustainable development ambitions.

UNDP’s Executive Board has approved the new Country Programme for Albania 2027–2031 - a five-year framework to support the country’s development priorities. The overall goal of the new programme is to support Albania in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and meeting its national development priorities, as articulated in the National Strategy for Development and European Integration 2022-2030.  It is structured around around three interconnected priorities: inclusive human capital development; sustainable economic transformation and inclusive green growth; and governance, justice and human rights.

At its core is a commitment to ensuring that development delivers opportunities for all, with particular attention to people and communities at greater risk of being left behind, including families in need, Roma and Egyptian communities, older people, young people not in education, employment or training, and rural communities.

Investing in people and better services: UNDP will support Albania in strengthening institutions, systems and skills s. This will include support for social protection and employment services, vocational education and training, digital and AI skills, and expanding opportunities for youth, women and persons with disabilities. Municipalities and national institutions will be supported to provide better coordinated services, including stronger referral mechanisms for survivors of gender-based violence and measures to strengthen the care economy as a driver of social inclusion.

Supporting a competitive, green and resilient economy: UNDP will help Albania advance an economic transformation that is competitive, climate-resilient and nature-positive. Support will focus on helping small and medium-sized enterprises innovate and access regional and European markets, while strengthening environmental and natural resource governance in line with the EU acquis. The programme will advance Albania’s Nature Pledge and biodiversity protection, including through the development of the Natura 2000 network, while strengthening preparedness for climate adaptation, disaster risk management and future participation in carbon markets.

Strengthening institutions, justice and accountable governance: The programme will support reforms that strengthen public administration, justice, anti-corruption systems and public financial management, while helping align policies and regulations in line with international commitments and EU standards.

UNDP will also support decentralization and stronger municipal capacities, creating more opportunities for citizens to participate in local decision-making. Assistance will extend to free legal aid, independent oversight institutions, and efforts to strengthen controls on small arms and light weapons and combat illicit trafficking.

Together, these efforts aim to strengthen the institutions and systems that underpin Albania’s EU accession process while making governance more responsive, transparent and accountable to people.

“With this new Country Programme, UNDP will help Albania build a future that is inclusive, in harmony with nature, and that delivers real improvements in people’s lives — accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, especially for those most at risk of being left behind.” — Randi Davis, Resident Representative, UNDP Albania.

The programme was developed through an extensive consultation process involving more than 600 stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society, vulnerable groups, the private sector, academia, media and development partners. An accompanying online consultation received more than 1,000 responses.