During the meeting focused on inter-institutional cooperation, Tafa and Macdonald discussed human rights, equality, and protection against discrimination.

According to a statement from the Office of the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, the discussions focused on inter-institutional cooperation for safeguarding equality and preventing discrimination, as well as ways to further strengthen this partnership. The goal is to advance joint efforts toward ensuring equal treatment and respect for human rights.

For the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination, this meeting was an important opportunity to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the United Nations in Albania, in support of the institutional mission to guarantee equality, prevent discrimination and protect human rights.

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Rama emphasized that, “This was not done to transfer sovereignty from people to machines.”

Instead, according to him, the goal is to make public services more accessible, procedures more transparent and the state more accountable.

“No machine carries democratic legitimacy; no algorithm inherits constitutional responsibility. Behind every decision with public impact, there must remain a legal mandate, a human institution and a name that can be called to account,” Rama stressed.

Rama highlighted that, within a country, artificial intelligence can reduce the distance between citizens and public services.

“On the other hand, unaccountable artificial intelligence can seamlessly bridge the gap between falsehood and the human mind,” he added. /r.e/a.f/p.s./

Rama shared a photo on social media taken beside the national flag at UN headquarters, shortly before his address to the UN General Assembly.

“Proud of Albania,” Rama wrote alongside the photo.

PM Rama is currently on a multi-day visit to the United States to participate in the proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly.

During the visit, the prime minister is accompanied by his wife, Linda Rama, and the official Albanian delegation. /m.m/r.e/p.s./

Accompanying the prime minister on this visit will be his wife Linda Rama and the official Albanian delegation.

PM Rama will attend the opening of the UN General Assembly’s General Debate in New York and deliver an address to the assembly.

The agenda also carries PM Rama’s participation in official receptions, high-level events and meetings with representatives from the political and economic spheres, as well as international organizations.

PM Rama will also hold meetings with representatives of the Albanian diaspora in the United States. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

Macdonald said Albania had reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating progress towards the 2030 Agenda, with the aim of ensuring that the benefits of development reach all citizens.

According to data published by the UN, Albania’s poverty rate has fallen from 23.7% to 19%, while the under-five mortality rate has been halved. More than 95% of public services are now available online, while the vast majority of electricity is generated from renewable sources.

Women hold 35% of seats in parliament and nearly half of ministerial positions, while Albania ranks 44th globally in the 2026 SDG Index, the UN said.

Prime Minister Edi Rama also attended the New York event, where he highlighted the importance of the 2030 Agenda and reforms linked to Albania’s European Union accession process, according to the UN.

The UN also welcomed the Albanian government’s investment in the SDG Acceleration Fund for Albania, describing it as a commitment to translating development goals into concrete results for citizens and communities.

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Karakaçi appreciated that the report outlines Albania’s ongoing progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

” Albania is delivering tangible progress through landmark reforms and a steadfast commitment to sustainable, equitable growth,” the minister said.

According to him, at a time when global challenges call for deeper cooperation and foresight, this report reflects both our progress and our steadfast commitment to driving swift reforms—ensuring every single citizen benefits

Karakaçi emphasized that together with public institutions, global partners, civil society, academia, and citizens, we are united in our commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

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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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PM Rama’s lecture explored Albania’s transformation from communist isolation to European integration, highlighting its increasingly vital role as a reliable Euro-Atlantic ally.

PM Rama emphasized that Albania is currently in the most advanced stage of its EU journey. For the nation, European integration is far more than a political or technical process—it is a civilizational choice and a total transformation of its society and state.

Rama highlighted Tokyo as a city where history harmonizes with innovation, tradition meets transformation and national sovereignty aligns with multilateralism—using this balance to frame today’s global challenges.

In recalling Albania’s communist past—characterized as the “North Korea of Europe” due to its physical and psychological isolation—Rama highlighted the post-communist shift. He framed the transition as an existential choice by the Albanian people in favor of democracy, openness, and Euro-Atlantic integration. /p.s./

Addressing ‘Migration as a Creative Force,’ the minister shared Albania’s comprehensive strategy for aligning migration with broader political, economic, and security goals.

“Following the 4th Diaspora Summit in Tirana, we celebrate a momentous milestone: the promise of a diaspora vote is no longer a dream, but a reality. ‘Through Roots We Rise,’ we are stronger together. Albania is witnessing a rebirth, becoming a welcoming home for our people to return, share their expertise, and invest in a nation that now stands as an attractive, booming hub for both them and global investors”, emphasized Minister Lamallari.

Further on, during the discussion, he highlighted the fact that Albania’s GDP has doubled in recent years and that the objective for the end of the current decade is to reach 35 billion euros.

“From a struggling economy with less than €3,000 per capita to a thriving nation boasting over €11,000 today, Albania is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. Our unwavering commitment is to reach €15,000 in income per capita by the end of this decade. This surge is highlighted by a record 12 million tourists last year and foreign investments that soared from just a few hundred million to over €1.6 billion annually. Today, our economic rise is inseparable from rapid improvements in security, justice, and the overall quality of life for our citizens”, Minister Lamallari said further on.

Minister Lamallari is also scheduled to speak at Friday’s plenary, attended by SG Guterres, to outline Albania’s approach to migration and its proactive, security-focused role within the Western Balkans and Europe. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla met on Monday with Ingrid Macdonald, reaffirming close collaboration in support of sector reforms.

Discussions focused on key priorities, including alignment with European Union standards, digitalisation of services, sustainable management of natural resources, and the empowerment of women and young people in rural communities.

Agriculture Minister Salla praised the UN’s continued support in aligning agricultural policies with EU requirements, calling the partnership important for sector development.

“Partnership with the UN remains an important pillar for sector progress and our path towards European integration,” he said.

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