DILI, 11 August 2025 (TATOLI) – In a powerful call to action for youth-centered development, the Government of Timor-Leste has launched its landmark Demographic Dividend Thematic Report during the International Youth Day 2025 celebration. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics of Timor-Leste (INETL), the Office of Vice Prime Minister for Social Affairs, the launch took place at a high-level event in Dili, with technical and financial support from UNFPA.
Held under the global theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the event gathered government leaders, UN agencies, national council for youth development, development partners, civil society, academia, and young people to spotlight youth as drivers of national transformation.
The new report draws on data from the 2022 Population and Housing Census and presents model-based projections that chart a strategic pathway to unlocking Timor-Leste’s demographic dividend, a unique window of opportunity when the working age population surpasses dependents, setting the stage for accelerated economic growth.
“This monograph is more than a statistical report – it is a blueprint for Timor-Leste’s future. With over 72% of the population under 35, we stand at the edge of a historic opportunity. Investing in education, health, gender equality, and jobs now can turn this youth bulge into a powerful force for national progress,”- said Funmi Balogun, UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste
The report emphasizes a critical 20–30-year window for strategic investments in education, health, gender equity, digital skills, youth entrepreneurship, and inclusive governance. It also highlights the dynamic role youth are already playing in areas such as climate action, civic participation, and digital transformation.
The Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Nelyo Isaac Sarmento reinforced the urgency of aligning national priorities with the needs and ambitions of young people: “Our data from the Demographic Dividend Monograph launched today shows that young people make up the majority of our population. This is not just a number — it is a national asset and a window of opportunity.”
Sarmento said that the Government is committed to harnessing this demographic dividend to accelerate economic growth, reduce unemployment, and drive the achievement of our National Strategic Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Following the launch, a panel discussion brought together experts from different areas to explore how the report’s recommendations can be translated into actionable policies, budget planning, and national development strategies. The event concluded with a shared commitment to placing youth at the center of Timor-Leste’s future.
The Demographic Dividend Thematic Report offers critical data and analysis on population trends, education, fertility, employment, and youth transitions. It is a vital evidence-based tool to guide policies that will build a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
