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The Government of Albania and United Nations Agencies launched today the One UN Pilot Initiative. Albania has been selected, along with seven other countries – the only one in Europe – to test a worldwide programme of UN reform. Part of ongoing United Nations efforts to enhance efficiency and responsiveness, the One UN Pilot Initiative aims to bring UN Agencies together – with one programme, one budget and one leader. Albania’s selection followed the request of the Albanian Government to the United Nations System.

The One UN pilot initiative aims to avoid fragmentation and duplication of development efforts. It will strengthen unity of purpose, coherence in management, while maintaining the distinct mandates and missions of the different UN agencies.

“By volunteering to be a One UN pilot, Albania has taken a leadership role in helping the UN to deliver as one,” said Kemal Dervis, Chair of the UN Development Group and UNDP Administrator.  “By coming together, we at the UN can realize our tremendous potential as partners in development.”

Through a nationally led process, UN Agencies are developing the One UN Programme, which will enhance their collaboration, while ensuring that support is closely aligned with Government priorities.

The One UN Programme in Albania will focus on responding to the following national priorities: more transparent and accountable government; greater participation in policy and decision-making; increased access to quality basic services, and regional development. The programme will also focus on capacity development, gender equality and the environment.

The Government Modernization Committee within the Albanian Council of Ministers will serve as the Government’s highest level policy, coordination and decision making authority for the One UN Programme. It will monitor progress and ensure coordination of the One UN Programme with the National Strategy for Development and Integration. 

“The One UN programme will support Albania’s national priority to join the European Union as well as contribute to making a difference in the lives of Albanians,” said Gűlden Tűrkőz-Cosslett, UN Resident Coordinator.

The role of the pilot countries is to test out the One UN concept proposed by the High Level Panel in its 2006 Delivering as One Report. The Report came as a result of the 2005 World Summit, where, at the request of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General was asked to come up with proposals to improve UN system policy and operational coherence in the areas of development, humanitarian assistance and the environment.