IFAD and UNIDO join the One UN Programme  in Albania

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Mr. Genc Pollo, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Gülden Türkoz-Cosslett signed an amendment to the One UN Programme in Albania today, which now includes two new UN Agencies: the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in addition to the participating agencies.

The two agencies’ work in Albania will be strategically aligned to the overall development assistance provided by the UN System in Albania under the One UN Programme.

UNIDO, in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), will launch the Cleaner Production Joint Programme. The project foresees the establishment of a National Center for Cleaner Production in Albania, seeking a practical and effective approach to address high waste and pollution intensity and inefficient use of natural resources by industries and other organizations.

IFAD work in Albania focuses mainly on the development of mountainous areas. Earlier this year, IFAD signed a loan agreement of about $9.2 million with the Government of Albania. The loan went to the project “Mountains towards Markets”, targeting more specifically the districts of Shkodra, Lezha, Kukes, and Dibra.

The inclusion of these two agencies in the One UN marks the first enlargement of the One UN Programme since it was first signed in October 2007. This step came as a result of a successful review from the Government of Albania, of the progress made under the One UN during its first year of implementation. Today, the One UN Programme covers more than 80% of the UN’s work in the country. And includes 14 UN agencies: UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNIFEM, UNAIDS, UNV, WHO, UNHCR, ILO, UNEP, UNESCO, FAO, UNIDO, and IFAD.