On 20.05.2021, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEFA) represented by the Secretary General, Mr. Armand Skapi and the United Nations Association Albania, represented by its president, Mr. Kristi Çina, signed the Memorandum of Cooperation within the Program of Albania’s Youth Delegates to the UN (Youth Delegates Program).

The Youth Delegates Program is an initiative that aims to increase and encourage the participation of Albanian youth in decision-making processes at national and international level. Every year, two young Albanians are selected to join the national delegation of the Republic of Albania in the United Nations General Assembly, to represent the voice of Albanian youth internationally, to establish and strengthen relations of cooperation with other young people around the world, and to actively contribute to youth policies.

Based on the principles of representation, empowerment and inclusion of young people, as well as the potential of Albanian youth in the development of the country, the promotion of peace and security, and the achievement of the sustainable development goals, this program offers the opportunity to strengthen dialogue between young people in the international arena, as well as creating a mechanism for the transmission of their ideas.

The UNA Albania and MEFA will cooperate closely throughout the program, starting from the moment of selection and training of youth delegates through a two-month internship at MEFA, for the third year in a row.

In close cooperation with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy in Albania and the United Nations Office in Albania, UNA Albania aims to increase the contribution of young people in decision-making, their role in democracy and a sustainable future, giving the third generation of Albanian young people the opportunity to undertake this important mission.

The parties reiterated the importance of this cooperation for a small country such as Albania, to increasing regional cooperation, peace and security. The call for applications will open shortly.