ILO to build a more inclusive social protection system in Timor-Leste

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - With support from the European Union (EU), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) jointly hosted a consultation and inception workshop on 2 September in Dili, Timor-Leste. The event marked the launch of a new project titled “Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste”, which aims to enhance social inclusion and nutrition across the country.

Through collective effort, we are shaping strategies and implementing programmes that promise enduring solutions for our people.

Dr. Flávio Brandão Mendes de Araújo, Vice Minister of Health

Dr. Flávio Brandão Mendes de Araújo, Vice Minister of Health, highlighted the nation's ongoing collaboration with key partners to address critical issues surrounding nutrition and food security. He noted that the government remains committed, actively investing in a range of initiatives.

“Challenges like these should no longer persist in our country. We are already witnessing meaningful progress in the communities we’ve targeted. Through collective effort, we are shaping strategies and implementing programmes that promise enduring solutions for our people,” he affirmed

The workshop followed the official signing of the Contribution Agreement and Grant held last June, which formally initiated this four-year programme designed to support vulnerable communities and strengthen resilient national systems. With a total funding of €12 million –

€10 million allocated to the three United Nations (UN) agencies and €2 million to civil society organizations – this EU-funded initiative is being implemented in the municipalities of Aileu, Covalima, Dili and Lautem.

© ILO

© ILO

The workshop brought together representatives from line ministries, local authorities, the four targeted municipalities, employers’ and workers’ organizations and other social partners. Participants discussed priority actions, existing challenges and opportunities for strengthening social protection, nutrition and home-grown school feeding programmes as the project’s main areas of intervention.

Drawing on its global expertise in strengthening social protection systems and promoting inclusive development, the ILO’s intervention focuses on building a people-centred approach and enhancing national and municipal capacities.

Sriyani Ekanayake, ILO Project Manager for Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste

During the workshop, Sriyani Ekanayake, ILO Project Manager for Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste, presented the ILO’s four key intervention areas: technical support for establishing a social security system, expanding social protection coverage to vulnerable groups, capacity building and promoting social dialogue. These efforts aim to reinforce the country’s social security infrastructure, enhance local capacity to manage the system and establish a social safety net aligned with ILO international standards.

“Drawing on its global expertise in strengthening social protection systems and promoting inclusive development, the ILO’s intervention focuses on building a people-centred approach and enhancing national and municipal capacities. This is supported by targeted training and outreach to ensure inclusive social protection reaches those most in need,” stated Sriyani.

© ILO

© ILO