Fifty-year-old Thelleza Facia had waited a decade for a job opportunity that never arrived — until she joined a long-term care training course offered by the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The programme equipped her with essential caregiving skills, from first aid to medical documentation, enabling her to earn a steady income with dignity and recognition. Her story reflects how the UN in Albania is transforming lives through data-driven, inclusive policies that promote sustainable development and social protection for the most vulnerable.
A flagship initiative leading this transformation is the Lifelong Empowerment and Protection (LEAP) Albania programme, which unites UNDP, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF, and UN Women under the Joint SDG Fund. LEAP supports the Albanian government in addressing deep-rooted socio-economic challenges, including an ageing population, youth unemployment, and widespread poverty. It works to enhance access to quality care services while creating decent jobs, particularly for women and young people.
One of LEAP’s major components focuses on strengthening Albania’s long-term care system. UNDP’s research highlighted a shortage of formal care services and an overreliance on unpaid family caregivers. To address this, the programme developed a vocational training curriculum for “Long-Term Care Assistance,” aligned with national and European standards. It also introduced innovative care models — home-based, community-based, and mobile teams — that provide quality care for elderly and disabled populations while generating paid employment. UN Women’s involvement ensures that the programme supports women’s economic empowerment and promotes fair, inclusive labour standards in the care sector.
Beyond elder care, the initiative also invests in children’s well-being and early development. UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is implementing a Universal Progressive Home Visit model that integrates health and social care at the local level. Through over 650 visits between 2024 and 2025, health professionals have reached hundreds of children and families in vulnerable communities, providing support in child development, disability detection, and mental health. The Ministry is further exploring the introduction of a Universal Child Benefit (UCB) to ensure equitable access and reduce child poverty, aligning with the National Strategy on Social Protection 2024–2026.
For youth empowerment, UNICEF’s “Journey towards Employment” programme has supported over 600 young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) by offering vocational training and psychological assistance. One such participant, Ana, a young mother from Elbasan, is now returning to formal education and rebuilding her future. Meanwhile, ILO is promoting formal employment in Albania’s tourism sector through a Roadmap for Employment and Formalization in Tourism, developed in collaboration with government and private sector partners. Local grant programmes in Lezha and Vora, run by organisations such as World Vision and Elite Travel Group, are training and mentoring over 300 people for jobs in tourism and hospitality.
Together, these multi-agency efforts showcase how coordinated UN action — led by the Resident Coordinator and backed by the Government of Albania — is driving inclusive growth and empowerment. By creating sustainable jobs, strengthening social protection, and ensuring access to quality care and education, Albania is building a future where no one is left behind.
