Albania has advanced its commitment to inclusive lifelong learning by convening a national consultation on the Roadmap for the Implementation of the Validation of Prior Non-Formal and Informal Learning. Organized in collaboration 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, the event brought together government institutions, vocational education and training (VET) providers, social partners, and the private sector.
Deputy Minister Olta Manjani highlighted the milestone as a reflection of Albania’s dedication to recognizing skills gained outside formal classrooms, emphasizing the importance of valuing lifelong learning and ensuring that no talent goes unnoticed.
The consultation focused on designing a system that recognizes, certifies, and values skills acquired through work experience and lifelong learning. Participants discussed implementation models, quality assurance mechanisms, institutional roles, and the next steps for piloting the roadmap.
The initiative represents a strategic step within UNDP’s broader support through SD4E, which has contributed to the National Employment and Skills Strategy 2023–2030 and improved the quality, relevance, and attractiveness of the VET system. The roadmap aims to ensure that Albania’s education and training system effectively responds to labour market needs and serves learners of all ages.
Mrs. Manjani stressed that the policy intends to formalize workforce skills and improve access to education and vocational training for adults, leaving no one behind. Francisco Roquette, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, noted that the framework aligns Albania’s validation system with EU best practices through collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the Swiss Government.
The next phase involves translating the roadmap into action, requiring continued cooperation among institutions, VET providers, employers, and sectoral committees. The private sector is particularly important to ensure that validated competences meet real workplace demands, according to Philipp Arnold, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Switzerland.
Developed over a two-year period, the roadmap is grounded in international and EU best practices. It involved mapping models, standardizing terminology and processes in line with EU recommendations, and engaging in peer learning across the Western Balkans. The result is a comprehensive regulatory framework for validation, now officially adopted in Albania.
With this achievement, Albania moves closer to establishing a lifelong learning system that makes individuals’ skills more visible, recognized, and valued, thereby strengthening the link between skills development, employability, and labour market needs.
