Albania is advancing inclusive social and economic reforms through the “Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania” (LEAP) Joint Programme, implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, and UN Women with support from the Joint SDG Fund. The initiative aims to expand social protection, improve care services, and create decent employment opportunities for children, women, youth, and the elderly, particularly those in vulnerable situations. By placing people at the center of interventions, LEAP seeks to strengthen dignity and opportunity across the life cycle.
UNDP has been instrumental in redesigning long-term care services to meet the needs of Albania’s aging population and vulnerable groups, including caregivers and youth disconnected from the labor market. Flagship efforts focus on modeling care services that are both dignified and employment-generating, supported by the “Aging in Albania” study and the National Aging Plan (2025–2030). Inclusive care pilots are being implemented in six municipalities in partnership with civil society organizations, demonstrating how care can be recognized as meaningful work that drives economic empowerment.
The programme also targets youth and women through employment-focused initiatives in sectors such as tourism and care. A Regional Skills Development and Employment Roadmap in Lezhë and Vorë identifies skills gaps, training needs, and job opportunities to increase access to decent work, aiming to support over 500 women and youth. These interventions are embedded in national policies, including the National Social Protection Strategy (2024–2030) and Employment and Skills Strategy (2023–2030), ensuring long-term sustainability and systemic change.
UNICEF leads efforts to support early childhood development and reduce child poverty through initiatives like the Universal Progressive Home Visiting (UPHV) model and Universal Child Benefit framework. These programs provide holistic support to families, strengthen parenting skills, and connect vulnerable children to essential services. Early interventions empower families economically and socially, transforming aid programs into proactive, inclusive systems that promote resilience and self-reliance. Individual stories, such as that of Ana from Elbasan, illustrate how integrated support in education, employment, and social services can create lasting change for families and children.
The ILO is addressing widespread informality in Albania’s growing tourism sector, which contributes over 8% of GDP and attracts millions of visitors annually. By developing a Roadmap for Employment and Formalization, the ILO aims to create decent work opportunities, promote sustainable growth, and formalize jobs while engaging employers, social partners, and municipalities. Special attention is given to marginalized women, including those displaced from the garment industry, through vocational training, career counseling, apprenticeships, and job placement programs. UN Women ensures gender-responsive approaches throughout the programme, supporting women’s economic reintegration and participation in shaping care and employment policies.
Together, the LEAP Joint Programme demonstrates how multi-agency collaboration, policy integration, and targeted interventions can transform Albania’s social protection and employment systems. By addressing the needs of vulnerable populations across the life cycle and fostering inclusive economic opportunities, the programme provides a model for sustainable development and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, with support from the European Union and multiple partner governments.
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