Albania's Social Protection Strategy for a Just and Inclusive Future

Social protection is a human right and a powerful tool in combating poverty and inequality. When effectively implemented, it mitigates the long-term effects of poverty and social exclusion, disrupts the cycle of intergenerational poverty, and ensures a dignified life for every individual throughout their lifetime. The National Strategy for Social Protection aims to build a society that fosters social cohesion and human capital.

The strategy on Social Protection was supported by UNICEF Albania, as part of the Leave No One Behind project, financed by the Government of Switzerland in Albania. Partnership on gender mainstreaming was supported by UN Women in Albania. The new strategy builds on the priorities of NSDI-II 2030. It is aligned with the European Pillar on Social Rights, the European Chart on Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 1- No Poverty, SDG 5- Gender Equality, and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities. 

In her welcome speech, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Albana Kociu, highlighted several innovations that will contribute to a comprehensive social protection model, integrating social care payments and services throughout the life cycle. This model aims to empower families towards the labor market and provide care for children.

Meanwhile, representatives from the EU, the Swiss Government, the Permanent UN Coordinator, and the UNICEF Representative in Albania emphasized the shared responsibility of implementing this strategy, noting that it aligns with EU standards. Albanian citizens, like their European citizens, expect public services to be high-quality, efficient, inclusive, and free from corruption.

The strategy was drafted through extensive consultations with young people to encourage their engagement with the issues that concern them and to promote the strategy and its priorities.

UNICEF remains committed to supporting this strategy by providing expertise, resources, and best practices from other countries to ensure its successful implementation, delivering meaningful results for children and youth.