ANRD General Assembly 2026
Strengthening the network, cooperation and the voice of rural communities
On 2 October 2026, the Albanian Network for Rural Development (ANRD) held its General Assembly, bringing together member organisations to reflect on achievements, discuss current challenges and set the main directions for the Network’s work in the coming period.
Held in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity, the Assembly provided an opportunity to exchange views on ANRD’s role, strengthen member engagement and explore ways to encourage greater participation in joint initiatives for rural development in Albania.
2025 Annual and Financial Reports Approved
The Annual Report highlighted the significance of 2025, which marked the completion of ANRD’s first decade of work. Over this period, ANRD has consolidated its role as a voice for rural communities and a bridge connecting communities, public institutions and development actors.
The report presented the Network’s activities and achievements, its engagement in rural development policy dialogue, partnerships and implemented projects, as well as initiatives that have created opportunities for member organisations, young people and rural communities. The Financial Report for January–December 2025 was also presented, providing an overview of the Network’s income, expenditure and financial situation.
The 2025 Annual and Financial Reports were unanimously approved by the General Assembly, reaffirming ANRD’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Strengthening Membership and Territorial Cooperation
A significant part of the discussion focused on member engagement, ANRD’s territorial outreach and opportunities to strengthen cooperation among member organisations. Members highlighted the need for broader territorial representation, more regular information exchange and joint efforts to identify opportunities for collaboration and funding. They also stressed the importance of closer links between ANRD’s national-level work and the needs of organisations and communities on the ground.
In this context, the reactivation of ANRD’s regional forums was discussed as a way to strengthen cooperation among civil society organisations, municipalities, farmers, businesses and other local stakeholders. The forums can help identify territorial challenges, improve coordination among local actors and bring local priorities and recommendations into national policy dialogue and advocacy processes.
The Assembly also reviewed the findings of the assessment of members’ needs and satisfaction with ANRD’s services. This process will be followed by an organisational self-assessment using the Octagon methodology, helping the Network better understand its members’ capacities, needs and expectations and tailor future support accordingly.
Stronger Advocacy and Practical Solutions for Rural Development
Discussions on ANRD’s priorities for 2026–2027 highlighted the need to further strengthen the Network’s advocacy and institutional dialogue, drawing on evidence, analysis and concrete recommendations.
Among the issues raised was the need to examine the implementation of the legal framework governing Local Action Groups (LAGs), as well as the challenges they face in securing funding and institutional support. Members emphasised the importance of more structured cooperation with municipalities and relevant institutions to establish more sustainable support mechanisms for these local structures.
Another key concern was the lack of coordination among institutions and structures operating at regional and local levels. Overlapping activities, communication gaps and inconsistent use of data can undermine the effectiveness of policies and services for rural communities. Members called for further analysis of these challenges and for exploring ways to improve interinstitutional coordination. ANRD’s regional forums could play an important role in connecting communities, organisations and institutions and strengthening cooperation across territorial levels.
The discussion also highlighted the need to create more opportunities for young people in rural areas, support farmers and strengthen the links between local production, markets and rural tourism.
ANRD Welcomes a New Member Organisation
The General Assembly unanimously approved the admission of Opportunity Balance and Overcoming as a full member of ANRD. The new membership offers an opportunity to broaden cooperation and further strengthen networking among organisations working to advance rural development.
Towards a More Active and Influential Network
The General Assembly reaffirmed the importance of an active, inclusive ANRD, closely connected to its member organisations and rural communities. Stronger advocacy, the reactivation of regional forums, improved territorial coordination and greater member engagement will be important elements in shaping the Network’s work for 2026–2027.
At the conclusion of the discussions, members agreed to prepare an Open Letter addressed to the relevant institutions, highlighting challenges related to coordination and cooperation in rural development and calling for dialogue on more effective mechanisms to support rural communities. For ANRD, strengthening cooperation among its members and with public institutions remains essential to ensuring that rural communities are heard and that their needs are reflected in policies and development processes.
Together, ANRD and its member organisations will continue working towards more inclusive, coordinated and sustainable rural development in Albania.