EU-ILO empowers youth in Timor-Leste with agroforestry skills

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - Aligned with the priorities of the Government of Timor-Leste, the Agroforestry Skills Project will train 4,000 young people in production and processing in key agroforestry value chains. This will help integrate young women and men into the labour market and offer opportunities for local entrepreneurship while promoting green and sustainable economic diversification in Timor-Leste.

© ILO

© ILO

The World Youth Day Skills Day was established by the United Nations to underscore the importance of investing in the potential of young people to drive sustainable development and address global challenges. Under this year’s theme of “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”, this special day is dedicated to emphasizing the critical importance of equipping young people with essential skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.

The significance of skills development for youth in Timor-Leste is highlighted by the 2021 Labour Force Survey that found that 30.5 per cent of young people aged 15-24 years were not in employment, education or training (NEET). Young women were more like to be NEET than young men. The work of the Agroforestry Skills Project with government partners, the private sector, labour organizations, training institutions, and civil society to create pathways for economic empowerment and community development is a timely contribution to a sustainable and prosperous future for all in Timor-Leste.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Pinto
Communication & Information Officer for ILO's Agroforestry Project
[email protected]