ILO supports capacity building and social dialogue to strengthen social protection in Timor-Leste

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the European Union (EU)-funded project “Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste,” has supported the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) in strengthening the country’s social protection system and expanding inclusive social security coverage, particularly for workers in the informal economy.

The National Institute of Social Security remains committed to working closely with all partners to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable social security system in Timor-Leste.

Leoneto V. F.C. Pereira, Director of the Academia Department at the INSS

As part of this effort, the ILO organized a two-day capacity-building programme titled “Strengthening the Social Protection System in Timor-Leste: Foundations, Standards and Practice” from 28 and 29 May in Dili. The training aimed to strengthen technical knowledge, promote collaboration and advance social dialogue on social protection policy and practice in the country.

The training brought together 60 participants from national and municipal level National Social Security Institute (INSS) offices, workers’ and employers’ organizations, relevant government institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs) and development partners.

© Josefina Maria Pereira/ILO

© Josefina Maria Pereira/ILO

The initiative formed part of broader national efforts to strengthen social protection systems and improve access to social security for all workers. Social protection plays a critical role in reducing poverty and vulnerability, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening economic resilience. Effective social security systems help protect workers and their families against risks such as illness, workplace injuries, disability, old age, unemployment and loss of income.

"The National Institute of Social Security remains committed to working closely with all partners to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable social security system in Timor-Leste," said Leoneto V. F.C. Pereira, Director of the Academia Department at the INSS.

Pereira also expressed appreciation to the ILO and the EU Delegation in Timor-Leste for their continued support through the Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste initiative.

It also plays a key role in reducing poverty and contributes directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 1, particularly Target 1.3 on implementing social protection systems for all.

Johanes Don Bosco, Programme Officer of the EU Delegation to Timor-Leste

Despite significant progress in developing its social protection framework, many workers in Timor-Leste, particularly those in the informal economy, remain outside formal social security coverage. Many Timorese workers are engaged in agriculture, fishing, small-scale trade, transport, construction and self-employment, often without adequate social protection or long-term income security.

“Social protection is a fundamental human right and is essential for promoting human dignity and advancing social inclusion,” said Johanes Don Bosco, Programme Officer of the EU Delegation to Timor-Leste. "It also plays a key role in reducing poverty and contributes directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 1, particularly Target 1.3 on implementing social protection systems for all."

He further added that the EU remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste in strengthening institutions, empowering communities and ensuring that development benefits reach those most in need.

© Josefina Maria Pereira/ILO

© Josefina Maria Pereira/ILO

Expanding coverage through voluntary social security schemes was highlighted as a key priority during the programme. Thus, the programme combined technical learning, policy dialogue and practical discussions to strengthen understanding of social protection systems and support institutional development.

Sessions explored social protection as a human right, the life-cycle approach to social protection, international labour and social security standards, social protection impacts and coverage trends and an overview of Timor-Leste’s social security system.

We aim to support our counterparts in Timor-Leste by strengthening knowledge on the foundations and basic standards of social security, updating understanding of the existing social security systems and sharing international best practices and lessons learned.

Sriyani Mudiyanselage, Technical Officer for Social Protection at the ILO

In addition to share other country experiences, participants identified practical and context-specific recommendations to strengthen institutional coordination, improve social dialogue and discuss support to developing more inclusive and sustainable social protection systems in the country.

“Through this training, we aim to support our counterparts in Timor-Leste by strengthening knowledge on the foundations and basic standards of social security, updating understanding of the existing social security systems and sharing international best practices and lessons learned,” said Sriyani Mudiyanselage, Technical Officer for Social Protection at the ILO.

The initiative reflects Timor-Leste’s commitment to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable social protection system that leaves no one behind. Through strengthened partnerships and continued dialogue among government institutions, workers, employers, civil society, and development partners, the initiative contributes to advancing decent work, social inclusion and social protection for all.