TIRANA, October 6, 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Acting Administrator and UN Under-Secretary-General, Haoliang Xu, begins a two-day high-level visit to Albania on October 6–7, 2025. The visit highlights the growing strategic partnership between Albania and the UNDP, aimed at advancing the country’s European Union (EU) accession process and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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| Picture of Haoliang Xu |
Strengthening Albania–UNDP Cooperation
The partnership between Albania and the UNDP is long-standing and deeply rooted in shared priorities for sustainable growth, democratic governance, and environmental protection. Xu’s visit serves as a key moment to reaffirm this collaboration and discuss how the UNDP can continue supporting Albania in its alignment with EU standards and policies.
Currently, Albania has opened five of the six clusters of negotiation chapters with the EU and continues implementing wide-ranging reforms across governance, justice, environmental protection, and economic resilience. UNDP’s programmes in Albania play an important role in harmonizing national legislation and institutions with the EU acquis, particularly in the areas of good governance, energy transition, climate action, and disaster risk management.
Focus on Education and Post-Earthquake Reconstruction
A highlight of Xu’s visit will be a joint visit with the Minister of Education, Mirela Kumbaro, and EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, to the “Emin Duraku” school in Tirana. This modern educational facility has been completely reconstructed as part of the EU4Schools programme, financed by the European Union and implemented by the UNDP.
The EU4Schools initiative is a flagship example of effective international cooperation in post-disaster recovery. Following the devastating 2019 earthquake, the programme has successfully repaired or rebuilt 62 out of 63 damaged educational facilities. Thousands of students and teachers now benefit from safe, inclusive, and modern learning environments, reflecting the tangible impact of EU and UNDP support.
Xu’s presence at this site underscores the UNDP’s continuing commitment to education, resilience, and community recovery, as well as its role in translating international aid into local results.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals
Another key focus of Xu’s visit is to reinforce cooperation around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Albania has made notable progress in reducing poverty, promoting gender equality, and improving access to public services. However, challenges remain in ensuring inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities, and advancing environmental sustainability.
To address these challenges, Xu will hold meetings with UNDP’s international and local development partners to discuss joint efforts in mobilizing financing for the SDGs, fostering inclusive economic growth, and enhancing environmental resilience.
These discussions will also explore innovative financing mechanisms, partnerships with the private sector, and strategies for leveraging digital transformation to accelerate progress across multiple development areas.
UNDP’s Four Strategic Priorities in Albania
The UNDP–Albania partnership is structured around four key priority areas that align with both the country’s national development strategies and the global SDG framework:
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Social Inclusion and Human Rights: Promoting equality, empowering marginalized groups, and ensuring access to essential services for all citizens.
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Economic Empowerment: Supporting sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and green economic transition, particularly for youth and women.
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Environment and Climate Resilience: Enhancing environmental protection, promoting renewable energy, and building resilience to climate change and natural disasters.
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Governance and Rule of Law: Strengthening public institutions, advancing justice reforms, and ensuring transparency and accountability.
Through these pillars, UNDP aims to help Albania not only meet its international commitments but also ensure that development outcomes are inclusive, sustainable, and citizen-centered.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Haoliang Xu’s 2025 visit to Albania symbolizes a renewed commitment to the long-standing partnership between the Albanian government, the UNDP, and international donors. As Albania advances on its path toward EU membership, the collaboration with UNDP continues to play a central role in supporting reforms that promote good governance, sustainable growth, and environmental protection.
By aligning national priorities with global and regional agendas, Albania is demonstrating how strategic international cooperation can drive transformative progress. Xu’s meetings and field visits highlight the tangible results of this partnership — from modern schools rebuilt after natural disasters to strengthened institutions and greener, more inclusive development policies.
As both Albania and the UNDP look ahead, their shared goal remains clear: building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future that leaves no one behind.