Dili, January 15, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The non-governmental organization Forum of NGOs of Timor-Leste (FONGTIL), together with the European Union, held a launch ceremony to mark the contract celebration with Plan International under the European Union partnership signed in 2025. The project will be officially implemented in four municipalities starting in 2026. The ceremony took place at Hotel Timor on Tuesday.
The Executive Director of FONGTIL, Inosensiu de Jesus Xavier, stated that the launch ceremony marked the official implementation of projects resulting from the partnership agreement between Plan International, FONGTIL, and the European Union. The project will be implemented in Ainaro, Ermera, Atauro, and Viqueque municipalities.
“The program focuses on empowering youth, activists, women’s organizations, people with disabilities, and LGBTIQ+ communities. It also emphasizes evidence-based services and advocacy to influence public policy and strengthen civil society organizations. This initiative aims to promote social justice and inclusive, sustainable human rights in Timor-Leste,” said FONGTIL Executive Director Inosensiu de Jesus Xavier.
He explained that the project has a duration of 36 months (three years), starting from November 2025 until 2028, and will be implemented mainly in rural areas identified through mapping processes that require further strengthening. The project is designed to reflect and build upon work already carried out in these areas.
“The funding provided by the European Union amounts to two million euros, while Plan International contributes an additional seven hundred thousand euros, which will be distributed across three main program components. We trust our team because FONGTIL and Plan International have strong experience in capacity building, empowerment, and updating knowledge in line with dynamic social changes. This project will support youth, LGBTIQ+ communities, and governance structures,” he added.
The FONGTIL Executive Director emphasized that the €2 million funding comes from the European Union, complemented by €700,000 from Plan International, which will be allocated across three program areas.
Meanwhile, the Head of Cooperation of the European Union, Yotam Leren, stated that the EU-funded project is highly important and has been launched together with civil society organizations and Plan International to strengthen youth diversity and gender-based approaches in Timor-Leste. The European Union has provided €200,000 to three organizations, CARE, Plan International, and FONGTIL to manage and implement the project.
“The European Union is a key organization supporting projects like this. We have provided funding, and today we officially launched efforts to strengthen civil society. The European Union has allocated funding to organizations such as CARE, Plan International, and FONGTIL to implement this project,” said Yotam Leren.
He further emphasized that the European Union continues to play an important role in supporting projects implemented by partners such as civil society organizations and Plan International, focusing on persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ communities, and collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste.
He added that the project implemented in the four municipalities such as Ainaro, Atauro, Ermera, and Viqueque, also focuses on strengthening civil society and addressing gender-based violence, which remains a major challenge in Timor-Leste.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano