The national Pop Singer, Alban Skënderaj appointed as the first National Ambassador of UNICEF in Albania

Tirana, Albania 19 November 2024 – UNICEF has appointed Alban Skënderaj as its first National Ambassador for Children in Albania. The announcement was made on the eve of the World Children’s Day which is commemorated every year on 20 November, and this time marks the 35^th Anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Alban’s appointment follows many field visits with UNICEF in Albania where he witnessed firsthand the challenges that Albanian children face. He visited the emergency center where he observed the support provided to vulnerable children, gaining insights into the challenges faced by youth at-risk and how to address their needs; met with high school students and saw the positive impact of education on children’s lives; visited the Juvenile Institute in Kavaja where he engaged with children in conflict with the law to understand their experiences and challenges. He met with schoolteachers, psychologists, and social workers to discuss the issues and potential solutions for improving children’s lives. These visits were crucial in shaping his understanding of the various challenges faced by Albanian children and how to effectively advocate for their needs.

In his greeting remarks Alban Skënderaj said: “I was only 15 when I left Albania for a better life in Italy. The ship, designed to carry eighty people only, it was crowded with 450 asylum seekers. But then, I was back to my country where I have found success and reconnected with my roots. And in this moment, with a new role, as a UNICEF’s National Ambassador for Children. It will be my first responsibility to bring the voices of children into conversations that are affecting them. After my field visits, it is clear to me that we need to do better for every child in my country. I have been filled with hope because of the projects supported by UNICEF Albania. But I was also struck by disparities that exist, such as on child marriage, mental health, education and skills for employment, gender equality, impact of violence and child poverty on children. It is very important that we support children from birth through adolescence, so that they are enabled to become healthy and productive adults who can then help to transform our country. If you want to be great, stay in Albania and help build a brighter future for our children here”.

UNICEF Representative, Murat Sahin highlighted that: “UNICEF is delighted to welcome Alban as our first National Ambassador. Indeed, we need more friends like Alban Skënderaj who will help to raise awareness on child rights issues, including furthering every child’s right to early childhood development and quality education. With Alban joining us, we are stronger in building a promising European future for Albanian children, no matter the challenge”.