DILI, 21 november 2024 (TATOLI)— The Vice Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Céu Brites, and the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, represent Timor-Leste at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30.
Timor-Leste Review, taking place at the Conference Center of the United Nations in Bangkok, Thailand, between the 19th and 21st of november 2024.
During her speech at the High-Level Panel, held on the first day of the Conference, the Secretary of State highlighted the progress made by Timor-Leste in implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
In her statement, Elvina Sousa Carvalho thanked UN Women and other partners for their continued collaboration with Timor-Leste. She highlighted the progress made in the last five years, particularly in reducing maternal and child mortality, increasing female political representation, and implementing inclusive policies and programs.
“Women’s economic empowerment is essential for reducing poverty and promoting inclusive development. The government is committed to creating an environment that makes it possible to eradicate extreme poverty, with special attention to women and the most vulnerable groups, including those on low incomes and those living in rural areas,” the Secretary of State said.
Significant results included approving the 3rd National Action Plan against Gender-Based Violence (2022-2032), the National Action Plan for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and strengthening the Maubisse Declaration on Women’s Economic Empowerment.
Recognizing the challenges, such as the persistence of gender-based violence, the Secretary of State praised the efforts coordinated by the National Action Plan to prevent and combat this problem, highlighting the increase in the reporting of crimes as a reflection of positive social changes.
Elvina Sousa Carvalho also highlighted the impact of climate change on women and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a transversal approach that integrates gender equality in disaster risk management.
“Although Timor-Leste is still far from fully implementing the Beijing Declaration, the progress made since gaining our independence in 2002 shows that we are on the right path. In partnership with the United Nations and the international community, we believe that substantive equality is achievable,” the Secretary of State concluded.
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review brings together leaders, experts, and organizations from across the region to assess progress and set priorities to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment, aligning efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Development Sustainable.
The delegation from Timor-Leste was led by the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, and the Vice-Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Céu Brites. The delegation also included the Director General of the Secretary of State for Equality, Armando da Costa; the Advisor for Gender Equality Policy of the Secretary of State, Santina Soares; and the Advisor and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Thailand, Pedro Simões.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Rafael Ximenes De A. Belo
