DILI, 07 February 2025 (TATOLI) – The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the World Food Program (WFP) held a high-level consultation event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to present their new country programs to align priorities and strategies for the next phase of development cooperation in Timor-Leste.
The consultation meeting gathered stakeholders’ insights, recommendations, and feedback to ensure that UNDP’s and WFP’s Country Strategies reflect Timor-Leste’s development aspirations, national priorities, and sustainable development goals. As part of the ongoing commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s progress, this consultation represents an opportunity to enhance collaboration and strengthen joint efforts in addressing key development challenges, including poverty reduction, climate resilience, food security, and social inclusion.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Benedito Freitas said that “The discussions we engage in today are crucial. They will inform the forthcoming program documents of UNDP and WFP, ensuring alignment with our strategic development goals outlined in the 2011-2030 plan and the 9th constitutional government’s five-year program.”
“We must focus on structural transformation, inclusive development, community resilience, economic growth, and the strengthening of democratic governance. It is vital that these programs embody the principles of country ownership, leadership, and systems that resonate with our national context,” said Minister Freitas.
During the event, representatives from UNDP and WFP presented the draft strategies. Discussions focused on fostering resilience, promoting sustainable economic growth, enhancing food and nutrition security, social protection, and strengthening institutional capacities to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
WFP Country Representative, Jacqueline de Groot, highlighted the significance of food security and nutrition: “Through this Country Strategic Plan, WFP can support the government’s ambitions to improve food security and proper nutrition for all, which is a key to sustainable development. By aligning with national priorities and stakeholder inputs, we can develop sustainable solutions that also support social protection systems and improve well-being, especially for vulnerable communities”.
Similarly, UNDP Resident Representative, Katyna Argueta, emphasized the importance of this consultation: “While the challenges are many and uncertainty can be disconcerting, WFP, UNDP and all UN Agencies will do what we have done during the last 25 years: we will continue to support Timor-Leste to advance in its aspirations for a better future in the years ahead. We will roll up our sleeves and continue to work – because the people we serve, the country we live in, the generations to come – don’t have the luxury to give up. Neither do we”.
The outcomes of this consultation will shape the finalization of strategies, serving as roadmaps for the collaboration between UNDP, WFP, and the Government of Timor-Leste on the road to 2030. This meeting reaffirms both organizations’ commitment to supporting the country’s development journey in alignment with Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
