DILI, 02 October 2025 (TATOLI) – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Timor-Leste, Katyna Argueta, inaugurated the rehabilitated multi-function futsal court in Suco Villa Verde, Dili. The initiative, under the UNDP Social Cohesion Project, provides a safe and inclusive space to strengthen community engagement, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence.
The new court offers Villa Verde residents – particularly youth and women – a place for sports, cultural activities, and community gatherings.
“We appreciate UNDP’s support in providing this space for our youth,” said Abdul Mancoli Aranhado, Chief of Suco Vila Verde. “It will not only encourage healthy activities but also help reduce conflict and build stronger social ties in Vila Verde.”
The rehabilitation builds on broader Social Cohesion Project interventions in Vila Verde, including community policing, livelihood support, and capacity-building activities delivered with HADEZTA and AJAR. These engaged young people alongside institutions such as the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), the National Directorate for Community Conflict Prevention (DNPCC) of the Ministry of Interior, local authorities, and community police. Together, these efforts also led to the construction of the Villa Verde Multipurpose Community Hall, creating complementary space for learning and dialogue.
Highlighting this broader vision, UNDP Resident Representative, Katyna Argueta noted: “This space stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities, government institutions, and partners come together with a shared vision for peace, resilience, and inclusion. More than just a sports facility, this court represents our joint commitment to promoting social cohesion, strengthening community bonds, and investing in the power of youth to drive positive change.”
Closing the ceremony, Francisco da Costa Guterres, Minister of Interior, emphasized its replicability: “The Vila Verde futsal field is not only a place for sports and community activities, but also a model for inclusive development. It demonstrates how infrastructure can prevent conflict, build unity, and empower youth. We intend to replicate this positive experience in other municipalities, including Baucau and Viqueque, so that more communities can benefit from safe and inclusive spaces that foster peace and resilience.”
Following the official inauguration, the event also became an opportunity for dialogue with the community, particularly on the theme of social cohesion in Suco Vila Verde. Community members shared their feedback and aspirations for building peace and resilience.
Youth representative Nerciana Gonzalves, speaking on behalf of young women from Suco Vila Verde, stated: “First of all, we thank UNDP for rehabilitating this field, which can also serve as a place to promote friendly games where we, as young people, can come together to build peace. I am here representing all youth, and I want to express our aspirations – asking UNDP and the Ministry of Interior to continue supporting and guiding us to move away from conflict. We also ask for guidance to help us use our abilities and strengths to further promote social cohesion in our community and in Suco Vila Verde.”
The event gathered representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Dili Municipal Authority, Vera Cruz Post Administration, Suco Villa Verde leadership, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture, the Secretary of State for Cooperative, g7+, PNTL, PDHJ, civil society partners AJAR and HADEZTA, and community members – especially youth from Vila Verde.
TATOLI
