The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu on behalf of the Albanian government and U.N. Resident Coordinator in Albania Ingrid Macdonald, in the presence of senior government officials and representatives of the U.N. country team.

The framework aligns with Albania’s national development priorities and international commitments, including the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the country’s National Roadmap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), its European Union accession process and broader economic reform agenda.

According to the United Nations, the framework was developed following extensive consultations involving more than 600 stakeholders, including government institutions, municipalities, civil society organizations, youth groups, women’s organizations, academia, the private sector and representatives of vulnerable communities.

The partnership will focus on three strategic pillars: inclusive human capital development, sustainable economic transformation and green growth, and strengthened governance, justice and human rights.

Under the first pillar, the two sides will work to improve access to quality healthcare, education, social protection and child protection services, while expanding opportunities for skills development and decent employment.

The economic component aims to boost productivity and competitiveness through green and digital business models, support small and medium-sized enterprises, modernize the agri-food sector and promote climate-resilient development in line with EU standards.

The governance pillar will focus on strengthening transparent and accountable institutions, expanding access to justice, promoting gender equality and human rights, and enhancing efforts to combat corruption, organized crime and cybercrime.

The framework adopts the principle of “leaving no one behind,” with targeted support for vulnerable groups, including Roma and Egyptian communities, people with disabilities, rural populations, migrants and young people.

The total estimated budget for the 2027–2031 period is approximately $227 million, with around $84 million already secured as of June 1, 2026. The initiative brings together 20 U.N. entities and is supported by the Albanian government, the European Union, international financial institutions, bilateral partners, civil society and the private sector.

“The signing of the Albania-United Nations Cooperation Framework 2027-2031 reaffirms our strong partnership with the United Nations at a crucial stage of the country’s development and European integration journey,” Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu said.

Macdonald described the agreement as a shared commitment to building “an inclusive, prosperous and people-centred Albania,” adding that the United Nations would continue supporting the country’s development efforts while ensuring that no one is left behind.

The Cooperation Framework serves as the primary planning instrument through which the U.N. system coordinates and delivers development assistance at the national level and will guide U.N. engagement in Albania through the end of the decade.

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Once a cultural crossroads, Boboshtica today welcomes visitors with its centuries-old churches, the mulberry trail, the unique taste of mulberry rakia, local brandy, and a rich culinary tradition rooted in local products.

The German program for “Sustainable Rural Development in Albania” highlighted Boboshtica’s natural beauty, culture, traditions, and typical foods on social media, noting that “Boboshtica was among the first villages to promote traditional cuisine at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).”

Supported by the German program and Albania’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment, this village’s inclusion in this global UNWTO initiative marks a significant achievement in community engagement, unique value identification, and sustainable tourism development on the international stage.

Tourists visiting Boboshtica can enjoy clean air, traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality, making the village a gem for cultural and agro-tourism.

Traditional festivals, stunning nature, and organic products create a unique experience that attracts visitors year-round.

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The Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku said that the meeting focused on the objectives for the next year.

“A meeting where we exchanged opinions and discussed joint accomplishments during this year, as well as the plans and targets for the coming year,” Balluku said.

The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy PM Belinda Balluku and the UN Resident Coordinator for Albania, Fiona McCluney, and it was attended also by other Albanian cabinet members.

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The project is funded by the German and Swiss Governments and implemented by GIZ Albania, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment was launched at the premises of GIZ Albania Office.

Agriculture Minister said that hard work has been done to deliver on the new sustainable agricultural and rural development programme with an emphasis on greenhouse vegetables, fruits, and dairy, certified products, boosting agricultural exports, modernization of the medicinal plants and aromatic herbs, increasing food safety, promotion of locally grown and authentic produce and agritourism.

Krifca said that the second phase of the “Sustainable Rural Development” project provides farmers with an additional tool to increase farm productivity.

The project aims to increase competitiveness and income in rural areas throughout its implementation in the next four years (2023-2026), contributing to the overall sustainable development of the country. Working closely with Albanian businesses and government, the project will support development policies and innovative practices in agriculture and rural tourism, promoting green growth, digitization and diversity, in alignment with the country’s EU accession process.

Through initiatives such as the adoption of biological pest control methods, the aim is to improve the quality and quantity of their production.

In parallel with the support given in the agricultural sector, the project aims to promote rural tourism, focusing on agritourism, outdoor sports and destination management.

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