DILI, 14 November 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste participated in the Second World Summit for Social Development from 4 to 6 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The event marked the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Copenhagen Summit.
The delegation was led by Vice-Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino and the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion Verónica das Dores. The Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the United Nations, Ambassador Dionísio da Costa Babo Soares, and the World Food Programme (WFP) provided additional support.
Convened by the United Nations, the Summit brought together representatives from more than 150 countries to renew global commitments to poverty eradication, decent work and social inclusion at a time of persistent inequalities and emerging global challenges.
In his address to the plenary, the Vice-Prime Minister emphasized that people must remain at the center of national development. He said that social protection systems should be understood as an investment in peace, human dignity and sustainable development. He also highlighted Timor-Leste’s role as Chair of the Global Task Force on Social Protection and Nutrition, a platform that unites vulnerable countries seeking to turn political commitments into concrete action for the most disadvantaged populations.
Timor-Leste presented progress made in tackling malnutrition, which the government recognizes as a national priority. This includes initiatives such as the Conditional Mother’s Grant, a program that links cash transfers to nutritional monitoring and women’s empowerment with the support of international partners.
The Vice-Prime Minister outlined three key lessons from Timor-Leste’s experience. First, social protection must be treated as an investment, not a cost. Second, international cooperation is essential for innovation and sustainable financing. Third, global financial mechanisms must be brought closer to local realities to ensure that all children receive adequate food and protection.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Timor-Leste co-organized a high-level side event titled “From Reform to Impact: Governments Paving a New Era of Universal Social Protection for Food and Nutrition Security.” The event was held in partnership with Iraq, WFP, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF, IDS–University of Sussex, and the European Union. Participants included representatives from Timor-Leste, Iraq, Brazil and Somalia. Vice-Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino delivered the opening remarks.
During the panel discussion, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion presented Timor-Leste’s national experience with the Conditional Mother’s Grant for Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition (Bolsa da Mãe Kondisional ba Saúde Nutrisaun Inan no Oan – BdMK-SANUTRIO). She highlighted the program’s role in preventing stunting and improving maternal and child health.
In a question-and-answer session, the Minister was asked how the government ensures that vulnerable populations are effectively included in social programs. She responded that “leadership has the responsibility to remain close to families to identify and understand the challenges they face, through home visits and direct follow-up, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The event strengthened participating countries’ commitment to inclusive, evidence-based policies and to deeper regional and South–South cooperation in building sustainable social protection systems.
Timor-Leste’s participation in the Summit and the high-level dialogue demonstrated the country’s dedication to building universal, resilient and people-centered social protection systems. It also reinforced Timor-Leste’s role as an active voice in promoting nutrition, food security and social protection on the global stage.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
