Just transition
Timor-Leste strengthens social dialogue on climate change and Just Transition
The ILO supports Timor-Leste to strengthening its tripartite engagement on climate change and labour issues.
3 April 2026
Dili, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - Representatives of government, employers and workers in Timor-Leste strengthened dialogue and cooperation on climate change and labour issues during a two-day workshop held in Dili from 26–27 March. The event provided a platform to exchange views on the impacts of climate change on the economy, enterprises and livelihoods, and marked an important step towards building consensus on Just Transition priorities while promoting sustainable enterprises, green jobs and decent work.
Facilitated by the ILO, the workshop brought together key stakeholders, including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), the Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL), the Women Business Association of Timor-Leste (AEMTL), and the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE). The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening tripartite engagement on climate change and labour issues.
Franquelino da Costa Freitas of CCI-TL emphasized the urgency of stronger dialogue in response to emerging pressures. “There is a growing need to strengthen social dialogue to address the challenges faced by businesses and workers as a result of climate change,” he noted, highlighting the importance of coordination among tripartite partners.
This is an opportunity to learn and share experiences and to continue strengthening tripartite engagement on climate change and Just Transition.
Clementina de Araujo Almeida, National Labour Council, SEFOPE
From the workers’ perspective, Almerio Vila-Nova, President of KSTL, stressed that the transition to a green economy must be rooted in fairness and inclusion. “The transition is unavoidable, but it must be fair, sustainable and inclusive,” he said. “Social dialogue is essential to build trust, strengthen cooperation and ensure that workers have equal access to opportunities and protection during this transition.”
Speaking on behalf of the National Labour Council, SEFOPE representative Clementina de Araujo Almeida encouraged participants to deepen mutual understanding through dialogue. “This is an opportunity to learn and share experiences and to continue strengthening tripartite engagement on climate change and Just Transition,” she noted.
Throughout the workshop, participants examined the implications of climate change for key sectors and discussed how to better align national policies with the needs of enterprises and workers. Employers highlighted the need to raise awareness among businesses, noting that many still have limited understanding of green economy concepts and Just Transition.
At the same time, workers’ representatives emphasized the importance of protecting rights, ensuring decent wages and expanding social protection, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by climate impacts.
Building consensus among employers, workers and government is a critical step towards achieving a Just Transition that delivers both sustainable development and decent work.
Arun Kumar, ILO Social Dialogue Specialist
The dialogue resulted in a shared understanding of priority areas, including strengthening social dialogue mechanisms, supporting economic diversification, investing in skills development, and promoting inclusive policies that enhance both enterprise resilience and worker protection.
“The discussions over these two days show strong commitment from all sides to work together,” said Arun Kumar, ILO Social Dialogue Specialist. “Building consensus among employers, workers and government is a critical step towards achieving a Just Transition that delivers both sustainable development and decent work.”
The workshop forms part of the ILO’s continued support to Timor-Leste in advancing social dialogue and promoting an inclusive transition to a green economy. By fostering collaboration among government, employers and workers, the initiative contributes to building momentum towards a potential tripartite framework agreement on Just Transition, helping ensure that climate action supports economic resilience, social justice and decent work for all.