Dili, November 8, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Equality (SEI), in collaboration with ESCAP and UN Women, officially launched a three-day National Consultation on the Assessment and Investment in the Care Economy from 30 September to 2 October 2025 in Dili. The initiative aims to strengthen national actions related to care, gender equality, and sustainable development. The press release was accessed by Média Democracia through SEI’s official page earlier this week.
During the opening session, the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho, stated that care must be recognized as central to social and economic progress, as it is essential for the country’s sustainable future development.
“We must look within our society and economy. Investment in care is not only a moral imperative but also a smart development strategy that ensures our nation functions effectively,” said the Secretary of State for Equality, Elvina Sousa Carvalho.
She further emphasized that society and the economy must make strategic investments in the care sector as part of a thoughtful development strategy to guarantee a stronger and more resilient nation in the future.
Meanwhile, Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste and Acting UN Resident Coordinator, highlighted that this effort requires collaboration across all sectors such as ministries, development agencies, civil society, and local communities, and that it demands a comprehensive approach to address the challenges involved.
“This is one of the UN Team’s shared priorities. Many UN agencies are ready to work together with national institutions, civil society, and development partners to ensure that care is recognized, reduced, redistributed, rewarded, and represented,” said Patrizia DiGiovanni.
The UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste added that this consultation marks the official launch of a partnership between the Government of Timor-Leste and development partners on the care economy, including a joint national case study developed with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS).
The National Consultation focused on Timor-Leste’s strong political will and vision to build an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable care system, contributing to the nation’s commitments under the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the emerging ASEAN Regional Framework on the Care Economy.
The event brought together participants from various ministries, civil society organizations, development partners, and academia to explore ways to better recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work, as well as to invest in quality care services and infrastructure that support women and men, children, and the elderly.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: SEI Media