UN Representatives meet AmCham Board and Members on SDG implementation

UN Resident Coordinator in Tirana, Mr. Brian William and Mr Daniel Berg, who is supporting UN Albania to develop the Resource Mobilization Strategy, met with several members of AmCham Albania. UN representatives introduced to AmCham the Sustainable Development Goals and specific objective of private sector engagement and contribution to achieve goals and develop Albania by relying on its own strengths and capitals.

The Resource Mobilization and Partnership Strategy will be an operational tool built upon the assessment of comparative advantage of the UN, synergies of current and potential partnerships as well as to identify opportunities arising from non-traditional sources of funding including blended finance, relevant alternative financing sources in the country in achieving the SDGs.

While Albania has been assisted by donor organizations with funding on various development projects, it has become crucial and necessary to focus on domestic resources for long-term development. Albania has the potential and capacities on funds generated by domestic and foreign businesses operating in the country.

AmCham members discussed with senior UN officials on how they perceive their engagement in development projects in environment, health and education issues and what they would like to change in economic policies and enforced laws. Sectorial and fiscal incentives, more liberalizing governmental policies would facilitate private sector engagement through CSR projects.

The successful implementation of the judicial reform will increase transparency and reduce corruption, as a fundamental element in achieving sustainable development. AmCham representatives emphasized that in order for the private sector to embrace UN sustainable goals, the right business incentives must be developed and enforced. AmCham President, Mr. Enio Jaco stated that AmCham is interested in collaborating with UN and other like-minded organizations to advocate for tax incentives with the government. AmCham President emphasized  that an effective capacity building program to better educate members with economic benefits of UN sustainable goals is very important.