Accelerating partnerships for children with the private sector in Albania

Tirana, 18 December 2024 — The UNICEF Albania Office is pleased to announce its year-end meeting with ten representatives from Albania’s private sector. This meeting underscores the pivotal contribution businesses can make in advancing the child rights agenda nationwide.

Support from corporate and business partners keeps us going and drives our mission forward. The nature of our partnerships responds to children's needs and leverages the strengths of the business world. Whether through strategic funding, utilizing a company's core expertise and networks, or working with industries to promote child rights’ principles in responsible business practices, we partner with the private sector to realize transformational change to ensure all children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.

UNICEF and its business partners deliberated on the critical importance of adopting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to family-friendly policies, closely aligned with the vision of European integration. Paid maternity leave, breastfeeding support, flexible work arrangements, affordable and quality childcare, child benefits, paid internships for youth, and social impact grants that benefit children and young people are essential investments. By investing in these measures, we can help today’s generation of children and youth reach their full potential, enhance workers’ well-being, and strengthen companies’ stability.

These policies not only support children and families to thrive, but also yield significant benefits, such as cultivating the essential human capital that drives the success of businesses and benefits the society as a whole.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Murat Sahin, UNICEF Representative, stated: “UNICEF Albania is enthusiastic about the potential of the private sector and eager to collaborate closely in creating a sustainable and secure future for every child. We invite corporates, foundations, philanthropists, families, and individuals to join us on this transformative journey as we work together to fulfill the rights of every child in Albania”.

We would like to thank all the esteemed representatives from the private sector, namely ABI Bank, Credins Foundation, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, Mane Foundation, TIMAK, Tirana Business University, Tirana Marriott Hotel and Xheko Imperial Hotel, for their presence and valuable contributions to address pressing challenges and ensure equitable future for children.

In this special gathering we were joined by the UNICEF Albania National Ambassador, Mr. Alban Skënderaj and the well-known Journalist and UNICEF Influencer, Mr. Florian Gjini.