Albania is a country committed to peace, international cooperation, and democratic values, with a clear vision for a fairer and more sustainable future.
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| Bajram Begaj delivering his speech at the United Nations, New York, September 25, 2025 |
The Head of State considered the UN as a universal platform for dialogue and cooperation, adding that Albania is committed to diplomatic solutions to conflicts. In this context, President Begaj condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and called for an end to the war in Gaza.
“We express our support for the efforts of the United States of America, Egypt, and Qatar for a ceasefire agreement that would lead to the permanent cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine, bringing a better future, security, and progress for Palestinians, Israelis, and all the peoples of the region,” President Begaj stated.
Turning to the region, the Head of State emphasized good neighborly relations. He sent clear messages regarding Kosovo—that the rights of Albanians in the Presheva Valley must be respected and that Kosovo should become a UN member, as an act of justice and a contribution to peace.
“Kosovo’s seat in this Assembly remains unjustly empty. The recognition of Kosovo’s independence and support for its membership in the United Nations and other international organizations is an act of justice for the people of Kosovo. It is a step that further strengthens peace and security in the Western Balkans and contributes to the stability of Europe,” Begaj declared.
For Albania, the President underlined the aspiration to join the EU by 2030, alongside reforms undertaken in public service digitalization and the fight against corruption.
“No nation can project a better future without placing youth at the center of national strategies. Through reforms in education, digital transformation, and employment, Albania is working to expand opportunities for young people to innovate and participate fully in society. We believe that investing in youth is the most effective investment for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Today, we have the obligation—as the generation that inherited 80 years of peace and progress—to create the conditions for our children for a safer world, in peace, with dignity, cooperation, and progress,” said the Head of State.
Full Speech of President Bajram Begaj at the UN General Assembly General Debate
It is an honor for me to address this Assembly today, on behalf of the Republic of Albania, on this significant anniversary of the United Nations. This is also a meaningful moment for my country, as we mark the 70th anniversary of our membership in the United Nations.
I thank the President of the General Assembly, Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock, for choosing this meaningful theme, “Better Together”, and I wish her success in her honored role as President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.
I also wish to express our gratitude to the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, for his leadership, service to the United Nations, and his dedication to defending the UN Charter and its core values.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This 80th anniversary of the United Nations is a reminder of the vision that inspired the creation of a world where nations choose dialogue and cooperation. It is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to the values embodied in the UN Charter: peace, equality, and cooperation among nations—to choose cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division, and solidarity over indifference.
For Albania, the United Nations has been and remains the universal platform of dialogue, giving every nation, large and small, a voice in shaping our shared future. The achievements are undeniable: preventing conflicts, advancing human rights, and providing humanitarian aid to millions.
But, in the face of today’s global crises, it is natural to demand more from this Organization and more from ourselves.
This is the moment when we must renew our commitment to ensure that the UN continues to serve as the foundation of peace, justice, and solidarity—not only for us, but for generations to come.
Albania believes that global challenges—from conflicts and terrorism to climate change, artificial intelligence, and economic insecurity—are not only complex but also interconnected. Humanity therefore needs more multilateral cooperation.
As a member of the United Nations, NATO, and as a proud European nation, Albania stands ready to contribute to strengthening international peace and security. We support a world order where conflicts are resolved sustainably, where societies are strengthened by solidarity, and where peace is built and consolidated on the solid foundations of trust, cooperation, and progress. Albania stands firm in support of the UN Charter and will continue to contribute to peacekeeping, humanitarian efforts, and building a world where disputes are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Madam President,
For nearly four years, the credibility of our Organization has been tested by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Albania has stood in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and has consistently condemned Russia’s violation of the UN Charter and international law. We condemn Russia’s ongoing attacks against Ukraine and its recently provoked incidents against our NATO allies. At the same time, we welcome the diplomatic efforts, under the leadership of President Trump, for a just and sustainable peace in full respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Albania is equally committed to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. The war in Gaza must end, all hostages must be released, and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza must be urgently addressed. We express our support for the efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar toward a ceasefire agreement that will lead to the permanent end of hostilities and the establishment of sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine—a peace that brings a better future, safety, and progress for Palestinians, Israelis, and all the peoples of the region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Albania actively promotes dialogue, good-neighborly relations, and regional integration as the only path to lasting stability and prosperity. Our vision is integration, sustainable development, and the preservation of democratic values. We believe that the future of our region lies in cooperation, not conflict—in shared progress, not rivalry. In this spirit, Albania is ready to cooperate with all neighbors to ensure that the Western Balkans is a zone of peace, development, and opportunity, contributing actively to Europe and the wider international community.
The youngest state in our region, the Republic of Kosovo, is increasingly contributing to peace, dialogue, and coexistence in the Western Balkans. Seventeen years after declaring independence, Kosovo has proven in practice that it is a responsible member of the international community, committed to peace, stability, and democratic values. With strong institutions and a dynamic population, its contribution to regional and broader cooperation is undeniable.
Yet, Kosovo’s seat in this Assembly remains unjustly empty. Recognition of Kosovo’s independence and support for its membership in the United Nations and other international organizations is an act of justice for the people of Kosovo. It is a step that further strengthens peace and security in the Western Balkans and contributes to Europe’s stability.
Albania calls for the rights and freedoms of Albanians in the Presheva Valley to be respected—that Albanians there not be discriminated against but integrated; that their language be used; and that their culture, values, identity, and traditions be protected and promoted.
Madam President,
My country’s journey—from isolation to Euro-Atlantic integration, from dictatorship to freedom and human rights—proves that dialogue, partnership, and shared values can transform societies.
Today, Albania is very close to realizing its long-cherished dream of EU membership. Following the opening of accession negotiations, we are advancing our reforms with determination, aiming to complete the negotiation process by 2027 and to become a full member of the EU by 2030. Our journey toward a united Europe is not only a political ambition but deeply rooted in the values we cherish: democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Albania understands that the prosperity and well-being of its citizens are closely linked with progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Albania is investing in clean energy, strengthening climate resilience, advancing digital transformation, and working to ensure that no one is left behind. Our efforts focus on education, healthcare, gender equality, and youth empowerment—because inclusiveness is the only path to sustainable development.
Last year, we committed to the Pact for the Future as a guiding framework for revitalizing multilateral cooperation. Now, we must turn words into action: translate commitments into concrete progress in peace and security, sustainable development, climate, digital cooperation, and human rights protection. Albania is ready to work with all member states to ensure that the Pact for the Future becomes a roadmap toward a fairer, more sustainable, and more united world. We will set our own example by incorporating the Pact into our National Voluntary Review.
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants,
Climate change is the defining challenge of our century, and Albania is committed to clean energy transition and environmental protection. The now-yearly floods, fires, and droughts remind us that we must strengthen our global commitments, mobilize financing, and ensure that no one is left behind.
In recent years, we have witnessed the rapid spread of digital technologies. Technological progress is beneficial as long as it goes hand in hand with human advancement. We must remain faithful to our values, putting technology at the service of humanity. However advanced it may be, the challenges of our time cannot be solved by artificial intelligence but by human intelligence and compassion. The digital age must be guided by international cooperation, ethical standards, and respect for human rights.
For Albania, digital transformation is a priority. We have undertaken ambitious reforms to digitalize public services, increase transparency, and fight corruption. Albania has the honor of co-chairing with Kenya the review process of the World Summit on the Information Society, and we will work together with all member states to ensure a successful outcome.
Madam President,
Human rights and the dignity of every individual must remain at the heart of our mission. Albania has proven, through its democratic transformation, that societies flourish when individual freedoms are protected, when women and youth are empowered, and when diversity is embraced as a strength.
We are honored to share our experience and serve on the Human Rights Council, where we have worked tirelessly to promote the universality of human rights and the indivisibility of all freedoms. During our mandate, we have engaged in protecting vulnerable groups, advancing gender equality, and defending the rights of those most at risk. We will continue to raise our voice against discrimination, intolerance, and violence wherever they occur.
Albania is proud of the progress it has made in advancing gender equality—both as a moral obligation and as a driver of social development. Today, women hold some of the highest offices in my country. Albania will continue to defend women’s rights at home and abroad and work with partners to make equality a tangible reality for all.
No nation can project a better future without placing youth at the center of national strategies. Through reforms in education, digital transformation, and employment, Albania is working to expand opportunities for young people to innovate and participate fully in society. We believe that investing in youth is the most effective investment for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Today, we have the duty—as the generation that inherited 80 years of peace and progress—to create the conditions for our children for a safer world, in peace, with dignity, cooperation, and progress.
Together—with courage and vision—let us make this session the moment when we chose unity, when we chose responsibility, and when we chose courage.
Thank you!