Academia as the Catalyst for Human Capital Development in Albania

Tirana, 24 October 2025 - Leading representatives from academia, government, and international partners gathered today at the conference “Academia as the Catalyst for Human Capital Development in Albania” to discuss how investing in people can drive Albania’s sustainable growth and accelerate its path toward EU integration.

Held at Aula Magna, Building Liria, in Qyteti Studenti, Tirana, the conference brought together Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of the European Union to Albania; Ingrid Maconald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania; Massimiliano Paolucci, World Bank Country Manager for Albania; Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe; and Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation and Chair of the Integrated Policy Management Group for Human Capital, along with Albanian academics and experts in human capital development.

The conference was co-organized by the Delegation of the European Union, the United Nations in Albania, and the World Bank Office in Albania, underscoring their joint commitment to advancing human capital as a shared national and international priority.

The event underscored the central role of academia in shaping Albania’s human capital agenda. Academic participants emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between universities, the private sector, and policymakers to ensure that education and training systems better reflect the needs of the labor market. Such cooperation, they noted, is essential for reducing youth unemployment and fostering a culture of innovation. Discussions explored key themes, including the importance of public investment in education and youth employment, the adoption of innovative teaching and learning practices, and the development of strategies to bridge the gap between academia and the labor market. Participants also highlighted the importance of social protection systems as instruments for empowering families and communities, ensuring that all citizens can benefit from Albania’s progress toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania, emphasized that investment in people is not a cost, it brings a huge return to our societies and economies. “The process of EU integration is accelerating for Albania, and human capital development stands at the very heart of this journey. It will also be one of the yardsticks of Albania's preparedness to join the EU. Therefore, we will continue to support Albania in this journey — investing in people, empowering vulnerable communities, and building together a future based on shared values and opportunities”, said Ambassador Gonzato.

Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania, stated: “Investing in people is at the heart of Albania’s sustainable development and European future. The United Nations will continue to serve as an integrator and catalyst — aligning investments, sharing expertise, and ensuring that people remain at the centre of reform. Academia is key to this journey - for evidence, data, knowledge, and skills. Under the Sustainable Development Goals, our collective task is clear: to build societies where no child grows up in poverty, no worker is left behind, and every person can realise their full potential.”

Massimiliano Paolucci, World Bank Country Manager for Albania, noted the importance of sustained investment in education, innovation, and skills to unlock Albania’s long-term growth potential and competitiveness.

Olta Manjani, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation and Chair of the Integrated Policy Management Group for Human Capital, emphasized the Government’s focus on digital transformation, quality education, and expanding access to training and social services under the Government Programme 2025–2029.

Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe, reflected on the importance of human capital development, one of the perhaps overlooked but vital pillars of the European integration process. The development of the population’s knowledge and capacities is essential, and this is where the College of Europe actively contributes.

“Moments of alignment like this are rare. Let’s turn today’s convergence into lasting systems change. Together - government, EU, UN, World Bank, civil society, and academia - we can ensure that every Albanian child reaches their full potential.

That is the human capital development Albania deserves -and that is the foundation upon which European Albania will be built.” – concluded Murat Sahin, UNICEF Representative in Albania.

The discussions echoed broader themes of partnership and shared responsibility in advancing Albania’s development agenda. The EU, UN, and World Bank in Albania reaffirmed their joint commitment to supporting policies and investments that empower people and strengthen the country’s resilience, inclusiveness, and capacity for innovation. They also underlined that the alignment of Albania’s EU accession milestones with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represents a powerful opportunity to drive evidence-based, people-centered reforms that ensure no one is left behind.

Ahead of the conference, the three institutions jointly published an Op-Ed titled “Albania’s Human Capital Investment: A Strategic Partnership for EU Integration and Sustainable Development.” The article highlighted that Albania’s greatest strength — and the key to its future — lies in its people, particularly its children and youth. It called for strategic investments in early childhood education, digital literacy, and inclusive labor markets as essential steps toward strengthening Albania’s human capital and ensuring that EU integration delivers tangible benefits for all.

🔗 Read the joint Op-Ed (English): 

🔗 Lexoni OpEd në shqip: