Just transition
Social dialogue drives just transition and sustainable enterprises in Timor-Leste
Employers, workers and the Government of Timor-Leste strengthen social dialogue and identifying shared priorities to advance a just transition towards a greener, more inclusive economy.
1 September 2026
DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) – Representatives of employers, workers and the Government of Timor-Leste strengthened their commitment to advancing a just transition through a two-day ILO-supported workshop held in Dili from 18-19 August.
Under the theme Social Dialogue for Just Transition, Sustainable Business and Decent Work, the workshop combined bipartite and tripartite dialogues aimed at strengthening cooperation among the social partners and identifying shared priorities for Timor-Leste’s transition towards a greener and more diversified economy.
The workshop brought together 30 representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), the Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL) and the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE).
It followed an earlier bipartite dialogue during which CCI-TL and KSTL developed their respective position papers on Just Transition. The papers identify the concerns, needs and priorities of businesses and workers as Timor-Leste moves towards a greener and more diversified economy.
On the first day, employers’ and workers’ representatives came together to identify common priorities for engagement with the Government. Representing CCI-TL, Hernani Agostinho Soares highlighted opportunities for Timor-Leste to attract investment in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure and skills development.
He also noted findings from CCI-TL’s position paper showing that, while awareness of climate change exists, implementation capacity remains limited and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) continue to face structural constraints.
“We need to establish a ‘Tripartite Plus’ platform to support broader dialogue among the Government, employers, workers and other relevant stakeholders on Just Transition. We also need to strengthen cooperation between employers and workers in developing common recommendations for the Government,” he said.
A Just Transition should contribute not only to sustainable economic development, but also to employment creation, social protection, gender equality and environmental sustainability, while ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
Clementina Araujo, National Director of Labour Relations at SEFOPE
A central focus of the bipartite dialogue was the development of a joint agenda between CCI-TL and KSTL. The two organizations identified shared priorities, needs, concerns and recommendations for future dialogue with the Government, reflecting their common commitment to sustainable economic development, decent work and stronger cooperation between employers and workers.
On the second day, discussions expanded to the tripartite level, bringing together representatives from the national and municipal levels. A tripartite panel discussion provided an opportunity for constituents to examine the findings and recommendations emerging from the employers’ and workers’ position papers, with particular attention to how employers and workers can contribute to the development and implementation of climate and environmental policies.
The dialogue also examined Timor-Leste’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 for 2026–2035 and emphasized the importance of linking climate policies with investment, enterprise development, employment, skills development and social protection.
“A Just Transition should contribute not only to sustainable economic development, but also to employment creation, social protection, gender equality and environmental sustainability, while ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind,” said Clementina Araujo, National Director of Labour Relations at SEFOPE, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to an inclusive and sustainable transition.
Climate policy, enterprise policy and labour policy should be designed together. This will help ensure that climate-related investments not only reduce climate risks, but also support economic diversification, strengthen local businesses and create safe and productive employment.
Arun Kumar, ILO Social Dialogue Specialist
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together to advance a Just Transition and build a greener, more sustainable and inclusive economy in Timor-Leste.
As a follow-up, CCI-TL and KSTL will finalize their joint agenda and present it to the Government. The proposed “Tripartite Plus” platform will also be taken forward for further discussion at the next meeting of the National Labour Council.