Tirana, 17 December 2025 – Albania has taken a step forward in building an inclusive lifelong learning system by convening a national consultation on the Roadmap for the Implementation of the Validation of Prior Non-Formal and Informal Learning. The event, organized in cooperation with the National Agency for Education, Vocational Training and Qualifications and supported by the Swiss funded Skills Development for Employment Programme (SD4E) implemented by UNDP brought together government institutions, vocational education and training (VET) providers, social partners, and the private sector.

Deputy Minister Olta Manjani emphasized the importance of this milestone: “Our shared journey has laid the groundwork for recognising skills gained outside formal classrooms. This milestone reflects Albania’s commitment to valuing lifelong learning and ensuring no talent goes unnoticed.”

The consultation focused on shaping a system that recognises, certifies, and values skills acquired through work experience and lifelong learning. Discussions addressed implementation models, quality assurance mechanisms, institutional roles, and next steps for piloting.

The introduction of validation of non-formal and informal learning represents an incremental yet strategic step within UNDP’s broader systemic support through SD4E. This support has contributed to the design of Albania’s National Employment and Skills Strategy 2023–2030, while also improving the quality, relevance, and attractiveness of the VET system.

At its core, the initiative aims to ensure that Albania’s education and training system responds effectively to labour market needs and serves learners of all ages. 

“This new policy aims to formalize the existing skills of the workforce, while also improving access for adults to education and vocational training. We do not have the luxury of leaving anyone behind”- said Mrs. Manjani.

“Together with our partners at Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the Swiss Government, we’ve advanced a robust framework for validation—aligning Albania’s system with #EU best practices” said Francisco Roquette, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.

With the development of this roadmap, under the leadership of national institutions and with the technical and financial support of UNDP and Switzerland, we see another step toward a coherent national system for validation — one that aligns with European practices and responds to Albania’s labour market needs.

What matters now is translating this roadmap into action. This process requires continued collaboration among institutions, VET providers, employers, and sectoral committees. All institutions must work together and play their part if we are to build a robust validation system.  

The private sector has a particularly vital role to play — ensuring that the competences validated reflect real workplace needs. – Philipp Arnold, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland

Grounded in international and EU best practices, the roadmap was developed through a two-year process of mapping models, aligning terminology and processes with EU recommendations, and engaging in peer learning across the Western Balkans. The result is a comprehensive regulatory framework for validation, now adopted in Albania.

With this achievement, Albania moves closer to a lifelong learning system that makes people’s skills more visible, recognised, and valued—strengthening the link between skills development, employability, and labour market needs.