Albania Launches Phase III of “Leave No One Behind”: A Milestone for Social Inclusion and EU Integration

UNDP Albania

February 18, 2026

Albania Launches Phase III of “Leave No One Behind”: A Milestone for Social Inclusion and EU Integration

UNDP Albania

Albania is reinforcing its commitment to its most vulnerable citizens with the official launch of Phase III of the Leave No One Behind Programme. Kickstarted at the National Conference, “Sustainable Services Closer to Citizens,” the event brought together the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, local municipalities, Embassy of Switzerland, civil society organizations and other partners to celebrate past successes and map out a future of inclusive growth.

Supported by the Government of Switzerland, the partnership between the UN and the Albanian government has already transformed the landscape of social service delivery. The results from the previous phase highlight a significant shift toward accessibility and empowerment.

While Phase II focused on building infrastructure and reaching households, Phase III (LNB3) is about making those wins permanent. Implemented by a joint UN force—UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women—the new phase prioritizes:

Institutional Capacity: Equipping local governments to manage services independently.
Long-term Sustainability: Moving away from project-based assistance toward reliable, funded systems.
National Ownership: Ensuring that social protection is driven by Albanian institutions at every level.

A Pillar of the EU Accession Path

Strengthening social services isn't just a local necessity; it is a requirement for Albania's journey toward European Union membership. By investing in these programs, Albania is meeting critical requirements in the EU social acquis, including:

Social Inclusion Reforms: Modernizing the social protection net.
Minority Rights: Protecting vulnerable groups and ethnic minorities.
Local Governance: Improving the ability of municipalities to serve their residents.
Fundamental Rights: Aligning national standards with EU benchmarks.

The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection highlighted that the program's success relies on "functional systems and clear financing mechanisms." The Minister urged stakeholders to use the conference as a space for professional dialogue to adapt proven models to different local contexts.

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Albania Ruth Huber underlined: “A key lesson from our joint work is the importance of sustainable public funding. The National Social Fund—fueled by allocations only from the state budget—is a strong signal of national ownership. As we embark on this consolidation phase, our goal is to ensure these services are not just temporary projects, but permanent systems that give voice to those who are often unheard."

As Phase III rolls out, the focus remains clear: tackling "intersecting risks" where families face multiple challenges at once. Through the continued partnership of the Swiss Government and the UN, Albania is ensuring that progress is not just a statistic, but a tangible reality for every citizen.

Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Coordinator — The Ambassador of Switzerland to Albania, Ruth Huber

UNDP Albania

"LNB3 focuses on consolidating results, enhancing institutional capacities, and promoting national ownership. Switzerland’s long-term partnership and trust have been critical in enabling innovation, continuity, and impact in strengthening inclusive social services across the country—ensuring that policies and services effectively reach those most at risk of being left behind." — Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Coordinator.