DILI, 17 February 2025 (TATOLI) – Today, the Government of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held a high-level consultation event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation to discuss key priorities for the next Country Program of Cooperation between the Government of Timor-Leste and UNFPA for 2026-2030.
The consultation meeting brought together stakeholders’ insights, recommendations, and feedback to ensure that UNFPA’s Country Program covering 2026-2030 is in line with the national priorities.
Key stakeholders during the National Consultation included government representatives, UN Families, local NGOs, Development Partners, etc,.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito Freitas said the national consultation is crucial to outline the strategic priorities, interventions and program activities that are in line with Timor-Leste’s strategic development plan (2011-2030), the agenda of national priorities and needs as well as the 5-year program of 9th constitutional government.
He said that co-hosting the high-level consultation represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the government and UNFPA to promote sustainable development and advance the well-being of all individuals, particularly women, girls, and youth in our country
“As we transition from the current country program, which concludes this year, and stand at a pivotal moment in shaping our collective future, it is crucial that the upcoming country program document authentically reflects the realities we face,” Minister Freitas said.
He said that the partnership between the government of Timor-Leste and UNFPA is a testament to the shared commitment of both parties to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that no one is left behind: “Under the current country program of UNFPA, we have worked together to address key challenges related to population and development, reproductive health, gender equality, and youth empowerment.”
Meanwhile, the UNFPA Representative in Timor-Leste, Navchaa Suren, said that UNFPA is committed to support the government in areas of population dynamics, reproductive health and reproductive rights, gender equality, youth development, reflecting on the impact of the demographic change on economic development, social services and environment, using data and evidence.
“Our next Country Program will be fully aligned with the government plans and priorities as articulated in the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), the 9th Constitutional government plan and other sectoral strategies and plans. It will be also aligned with the next United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030,” according to Suren.
“This consultation is critical to ensure that the programme is evidence informed, inclusive, it is owned by the national stakeholders and resonates with the national context,” said Suren.
At the same place, Funmi Balogun, UN Resident Coordinator in Tmor-Leste said that the United Nations, through its specialized agencies, programs, and funds, brings expertise, resources, and knowledge that are essential for advancing the SDGs: “In Timor-Leste, this expertise is guided by the leadership of the Government, in ensuring that every intervention is both context-sensitive and impactful.”
Balogun said the consultation marked another milestone to reflect, on what has worked, what needs to change, what can be dropped, and most importantly, UNFPA’s unique niche in the next 5 years to ensure that the government of Timor-Leste fully meets its targets in achieving sexual and reproductive health for all citizens, an important component in overall achievement of the SDGs by 2030.
UNFPA’s program’s focus on promoting maternal health, family planning, and access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services has been crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of Timor-Leste’s population. By investing in these areas, the government can empower the women and girls, reduce maternal mortality, and create a more equitable society for all.
UNFPA’s Program’s emphasis on youth empowerment and gender equality underscored government and UNFPA’s collective efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for Timorese people.
UNFPA”s programs focusing on maternal health, gender equality, sexuality education, and harnessing the demographic dividend can have a significant impact on a country with a young population like Timor-Leste. These programs are critically important to address immediate health and social needs as well as establish the foundation for long-term sustainable development of the country.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
