LocationsUNDP Albania
UN Under Secretary General and UNDP Acting Administrator Reinforces Partnership with Albania for EU Accession and Sustainable Development
October 8, 2025
UN Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu, to Emin Duraku School
UNDP Albania
Tirana, 7 October 2025 – United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Haoliang Xu, completed a two-day official visit to Albania, reaffirming UNDP’s strong partnership with the Government of Albania in advancing the country’s EU accession and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Meeting of the UN Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu, with the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama
UNDP Albania
In his meeting with Prime Minister Rama, Mr. Xu reaffirmed UNDP’s support for Albania’s ongoing reforms and innovative approaches to governance, sustainable growth, and EU integration. Discussions focused on mobilizing innovative and blended financing mechanisms to unlock investment opportunities for the SDGs and accelerate national development priorities.
Meeting of the UN Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu, with Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj
UNDP Albania
With Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj, the Acting Administrator highlighted UNDP’s role in helping governments expand fiscal space and direct financing toward projects that drive inclusive and resilient growth.
Meeting of the UN Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu, with Minister of Justice, Besfort Lamallari.
UNDP Albania
Meeting with Minister of Justice Besfort Lamallari, Mr. Xu reiterated UNDP’s support for strengthening the rule of law, access to justice, and institutional capacity—key pillars of both EU accession and social inclusion.
Meeting of the UN Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu, with Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj
UNDP Albania
In discussions with Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, he emphasized the importance of digital transformation, youth engagement, and artificial intelligence (AI) as engines of sustainable economic growth and future competitiveness.
Meeting of the UN Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu, with Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo
UNDP Albania
During his exchange with Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo, Mr. Xu underlined the importance of strong local governance as the foundation for sustainable development and effective EU integration. He reaffirmed UNDP’s continued support for local government reforms, community empowerment, and digital innovation at the municipal level to ensure that progress benefits all regions of Albania.
Visit of the UN Under-Secretary-General and Acting Administrator of UNDP, Mr. Haoliang Xu, with Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro and EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato to Emin Duraku School in Tirana
UNDP Albania
A highlight of the visit was a joint visit with Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro and EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato to Emin Duraku School in Tirana—one of 63 education facilities reconstructed under the EU4Schools Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP following the 2019 earthquake.
With an investment of €75 million, the programme has rebuilt 62 schools and kindergartens to date, providing safe, modern learning environments for over 21,000 students and teachers. Mr. Xu commended the EU–UNDP partnership as a model for delivering tangible results for communities and helping children return to schools built for a 21st-century education.
Meeting of the UN Under-Secretary-General and UNDP Acting Administrator, Haoliang Xu, with EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato
UNDP Albania
In his meeting with EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Mr. Xu expressed gratitude for more than two decades of close EU–UNDP collaboration in Albania. Discussions centered on further aligning development cooperation with EU standards and advancing Albania’s inclusive, sustainable transformation.
UN Under Secretary General and UNDP Acting Administrator, Haoliang Xu, met with UNDP’s key international development partners
UNDP Albania
Mr. Xu also met with UNDP’s key international development partners, thanking them for their trust and long-standing collaboration. He emphasized UNDP’s full commitment to supporting Albania on its path toward EU accession and to accelerating sustainable, inclusive development through strong partnerships.
Throughout his visit, the Acting Administrator underscored that Albania’s progress toward EU membership is deeply connected to its SDG journey. From advancing justice reform and climate resilience to driving digital innovation and local empowerment, UNDP continues to support Albania in ensuring that its path to the EU is inclusive, sustainable, and leaves no one behind.
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