DILI, 11 august 2023 (TATOLI)– The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of
Japan signed an Exchange of Notes for US$ 6 million in support to strengthen the operational capacities of Radio-Televisão Timor Leste (RTTL), the national radio and television institution under the Secretary of State for Social Communication.
The level of structural damages to the RTTL, EP building following the floods in 2021 hinders the proper functioning of the institution and, by extension, makes it difficult to fulfill its role to keep the Timorese public more informed.
Through the UNDP-Japan agreement, financial and technical assistance will be provided to RTTL, including support for the construction of a new green building, and for fostering inclusive
public debate.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste Tetsuya KIMURA, the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes, and the UNDP Resident Representative Adeline Carrier at the UN House Kofi Annan, Obrigado Barak, Cai-Coli Dili, on friday.
Ambassador of Japan to Timor -Leste Tetsuya Kimura said Japan will contribute approximately 6 million US dollars to construct a new building for the national broadcasting station (RTTL), a broadcasting facility with an auditorium, broadcasting studio, and staff offices. The project also includes training to support the capacity building of the RTTL staff.
“Japan and RTTL have been maintaining a close working relationship for many years through corporations such as dispatching JOCVs（Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers). The RTTL building had been used for many years, and it was severely damaged by the flood in April 2021. I had the opportunity to visit the RTTL offices with President Belo and we agreed that RTTL journalists and staff who play an important role in providing accurate and trustworthy information to the public deserve a better working environment,” said Kimura.
He said In Timor-Leste, people under the age of 30 account for about 65% of the population, and the role of the press is becoming increasingly important in order for them to obtain correct information, make informed decisions, and discuss issues for the development of the country and strengthening of democracy.
“As a country that shares the value of democracy, Japan is proud and grateful to be able to contribute in this area. Also, I am pleased to work with UNDP, our highly trusted partner, once again. UNDP is our global partner and we are working with UNDP in a broad range of areas. We hope that RTTL will enhance its operational capacities through this project, thereby contributing to maintaining and strengthening the governance of this country. We will continue to assist the nation-building of Timor-Leste for years to come with the spirit of solidarity and friendship” he added.
UNDP Resident Representative, Adeline Carrier emphasizes that public broadcasters must appeal to and engage the youth both as audience and authors of their programs to enhance democratic efforts in Timor-Leste.
In the Same place the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Dias Ximenes on behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste and RTTL EP thanked the support from the people of Japan for the construction of the new RTTL
building.
“Our respect to the Ambassador of Japan Tetsuya Kimura for his effort in realizing this project in the short term. And to UNDP for the support providing up to date. We’re willing to work with UNDP on the entire process of building the RTTI, EP central building”, he concluded
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
