Policy Recommendations for Effective Climate Action in Albania

During a one-year RIFS fellowship, Albanian lawyer Deborah Lika supported the implementation of the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) programme, which is anchored in both the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. The overarching goal of ACE is to empower all members of society to participate in climate protection through education and training, public information, participation programmes, access to information and international cooperation.

Lika's policy paper distils key findings into three concrete recommendations on how Albania can develop an ACE strategy suited to its national context and embed it effectively within its institutions.

1. National ACE strategy: Albania should develop a comprehensive national ACE strategy that includes a long-term vision and clear objectives for each ACE element: education and training, public awareness and participation, access to information, and international cooperation, supported by a coordination mechanism within the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. The strategy should be participatory and evidence-based and supported by a sustainable funding and monitoring framework.
2. Digital platform for climate action: The creation of a National ACE Information and Engagement Platform is recommended to increase transparency, visibility and civil society engagement. Designed as a digital public platform and hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, it would enable environmental NGOs, youth groups, educators and municipalities to share information on climate-related activities. This platform would serve as a national collection of best practices and a reporting tool to support the monitoring of ACE implementation in Albania.
3. Integration of climate literacy in education: In partnership with relevant actors, the Ministry of Education and Sports should lead the full integration of climate education into both formal and non-formal education systems. This includes revising curricula, developing national teaching materials and institutionalizing teacher training on sustainability issues. At the same time, informal learning should be expanded through youth initiatives, community programmes and digital tools, especially in rural and most-affected areas.  

Lika, D. (2025). Policy Recommendations for Effective Climate Action in Albania. RIFS Policy Paper, 2025(2). https://doi.org/10.48481/rifs.2025.034

Further information:

• Everyone on Board for Climate Action? RIFS Fellow Examines UN Strategy for Civil Society Engagement