DILI, january 25, 2022 (TATOLI)– The Government of Timor – Leste released a review report on public spending on climate change and institutional policies in 2021.
The purpose of the report is to establish the policies related to climate change to address climate change. In addition, the document intends to provide all public expenditures allocated to sectors that are considered as priorities in the National Strategic Development Plan from 2011 to 2030.
The Minister of Finance, Rui Gomes highlighted the perspective of the United Nations Development Program in East Timor (UNDP), that the Government’s public spending on climate change has declined in the last five years.
“This trend is mainly due to funding from our development partners,” said Minister of Finance Rui Gomes, in his remarks at Aitarak Laran, Dili, Monday (24/01).
Gomes thanked the Secretariat of the National and the team from the Integrated Financing Framework, the Director-General of the Ministry of Finance, line ministries, and the team from UNDP for the accomplishment of the 2018 to 2021 period reports.
The Gomes also underlined the importance of launching the report as a list of several key recommendations that are not only aimed at policies but also on various programs and future actions.
On the other hand, Mr. Gomes stated that both the UN and development partners can continue to support Timor-Leste.
Gomes recalled that the country faced a public disaster scenario between 2020 and 2021 following several floods that devastated Dili and several municipalities.
“The flood caused some damage to housing, basic infrastructure, and communication networks in eight municipalities, while 48 people lost their lives, more than 30,000 being accommodated in refugee centers in the capital, the executive funds were allocated about $245 million to cover the costs,” he said
The UN Representative in Timor – Leste Roy Trivedy also mentioned the importance of providing a budget for the implementation of climate change adaptation measures.
“I congratulate the Minister of Finance and all entities involved in the preparation of this report. The recommendations listed are aimed at contributing to and accelerating the implementation of measures against climate change in Timor-Leste,” he said.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B
