UNFPA and Timor-Leste reaffirm longstanding partnership and shared national priorities
DÍLI, 10 September 2026 (TATOLI) – Today, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director a.i., Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, held a high-level meeting with Mariano “Assanami” Sabino Lopes, Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing of Timor-Leste.
The meeting reaffirmed the 28-year partnership between UNFPA and the Government of Timor-Leste, and to congratulate the nation, following its historic achievement of full accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
During the discussions, Bodiroza commended the Government of Timor-Leste for its commitment to national development and its strong alignment with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD PoA).
“We are proud to celebrate our longstanding partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste,” said Bodiroza. “Since 1999, our collaborative efforts have driven significant progress in reproductive health, the empowerment of women and young people and sustainable development. We also extend our warmest congratulations to Timor-Leste on its historic accession to ASEAN. UNFPA remains fully committed to supporting the nation’s continued development, resilience, and integration into the regional community.”
In response, Vice Prime Minister Mariano “ASSANAMI” Sabino Lopes expressed his gratitude to UNFPA for its steadfast support. In light of full accession to ASEAN, the Vice Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to working alongside UNFPA and other partners to address critical national priorities. Specifically, he highlighted the vital importance of investing in the health sector, using data for evidence-based policy and development, and championing the empowerment of both women and young people across the country.
The enduring partnership between UNFPA and Timor-Leste remains dedicated to advancing the country’s national priorities. Together, the Government and UNFPA are working to end preventable maternal deaths, address the unmet need for family planning, eliminate gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls, and use population data to plan for demographic change.
TATOLI
