In 2025, the UN in Albania continued implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022–2026, deepening partnerships that accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advance Albania’s EU accession priorities. Close collaboration with national
institutions, international partners, the private sector, civil society and academia, through joint planning, steering mechanisms and coordinated advocacy, helped to strengthen coherence, impact and reforms aligned with EU standards and the 2030 Agenda.
Building on structured engagement with government institutions and development partners, the UN Country Team (UNCT) sustained regular, coordinated dialogues
with key international partners, particularly around EU approximation priorities, social and economic reforms, human capital and inclusive governance.
Collaboration with the EU remained a central pillar for coordinated development support. Through EU–UN cooperation, new and ongoing initiatives strengthened rule of law and justice reform, cultural heritage and EU-aligned governance reforms, including the launch of the EU4Digital Justice project and the ongoing EU4Culture programme. The strategic partnership between the EU Delegation, the UN and the World Bank (WB) was further reinforced through a joint opinion piece and conference that set out a shared agenda on human capital investment as a driver of sustainable growth and EU integration, linking policy reform, financing and evidence-based investments in early childhood development, skills, jobs and social protection.
Bilateral partners continued to play an important role in sustaining priority reforms and scaling inclusive programming. Switzerland’s support enabled the launch of the third phase of the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) programme, reinforcing collaboration with national and local institutions to expand access to services for vulnerable groups and strengthen systems for inclusive delivery. Sweden deepened its partnership with the Government of Albania and the UN to end violence against women (VAW), extending collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) and UN partners to strengthen prevention, response and survivor- centred systems. This partnership was complemented by EU support for publication of the 2025 Country Gender Equality Profile, which provides a shared evidence base for advancing gender equality and EU-aligned reforms.
Collaboration through multi-partner mechanisms around the SDG financing agenda enlarged, particularly via high-impact joint programmes (JPs) supported by the UN Joint SDG Fund. Digital Agriculture and Rural Transformation (DART) advanced as a flagship partnership bringing together the UN with key national counterparts alongside partners including the EU and national coordination institutions.
Strategic partnerships also grew through structured engagement with academia and the sporting community to advance inclusion and social cohesion. This included a Memorandum of Understanding with the Albanian Football Association to promote inclusion through sports and a cooperation agreement with the Mediterranean University in Albania to strengthen research, evidence and policy dialogue on refugee protection.
Support to SDG financing and data-informed decision making remained closely linked to partnerships. In late 2025, the National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), UN and international partners launched a household migration survey and a qualitative study on migration, return and diaspora engagement. This joint work strengthened the evidence base for policy, programming and financing decisions. Collaboration with the WB was further broadened through thematic networks that support policy dialogue and knowledge exchange, including the launch of an Economist Network for Albania.
Private-sector and innovation-oriented partnerships remained an important dimension of SDG acceleration. UN-supported initiatives promoted responsible business practices, sustainable production, decent work and entrepreneurship for youth and women. Engagement with the private sector advanced through dedicated partnership platforms connecting responsible business with SDG acceleration. A key milestone was the second edition of the Business #2030 Conference,
which convened business leaders, policymakers and international partners to explore how sustainable business practices can drive competitiveness, innovation
and growth.
Overall, partnerships in 2025 remained central to aligning financing, policy reform and programme delivery for the SDGs. The alignment is anchored in national priorities and strengthened by collaboration with bilateral partners, international financial institutions, civil society, academia and the private sector. These partnerships positioned the UNCT to scale collective impact through 2026 and inform the next cycle of cooperation with a strong emphasis on diversifying partner engagement. This engagement required a shift from a traditional funding model towards a more integrated financing-for-development approach that mobilizes public and private resources in support of national SDG priorities.