Dili, February 17, 2025 (Média Democracia) – UNFPA together with the Ministry of Business and Foreign Cooperation conducted a national consultation with the Timor-Leste government, civil society, development partners, academia and the UN system on UNFPA’s programmes and priorities for Timor-Leste for the next five years starting in 2026-2030.
UNFPA’s Programs and Priorities started in 2021-2025 and end in December this year, new programs and priorities will start in 2026-2030.
In the discourse, UNFPA representative in Timor-Leste, Navchaa Suren, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Business and Foreign Cooperation and the team for organizing critical consultations to reflect on our past cooperation and what steps should be taken for the future. The next country cooperation program between the government of Timor-Leste and UNFPA, for the period 2026-2030.
“As the UN Dormitory Coordinator said, UNFPA’s mission is about people, specifically improving the health and well-being of women, girls and young people. We support countries and more than 150 territories to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and end gender-based violence and harmful practices against women and girls by 2030. These are ambitious goals, but we can achieve them by helping each other for a better future for all.” Said the UNFPA representative.
She said UNFPA was proud to partner with a government that was very productive and had confidence for Timor-Leste.
“UNFPA programmes are always aligned with national plans and priorities, and respond to the needs of people and communities. UNFPA also recognizes partners and collaborates with key partners including development partners, civil society organizations and communities for supporting our mandate and programmes in Timor-Leste,” She said.
She informed that Timor-Leste reduced maternal mortality from 557/100,000 in 2009 to 195/100,000 in 2016. Many women are accessing sexual and reproductive work. Women and girls are increasingly gaining power and protection from violence, harassment and discrimination.
“Another notable achievement is that the recently the government has also increased the allocation of funds for essential reproductive health products, including contraceptives through the Commitment Pact signed between the government and UNFPA. As a result, the government has invested around 1.2 million USD in the last three years for the provision of essential reproductive health products to provide quality sexual reproductive health services throughout the country. This is a real manifestation of the government’s strong commitment to ensure that no woman dies from preventable causes from maternal mother,” She said.
Despite this progress, we still have much to progress and achieve together, nearly one in three women continue to experience physical or sexual violence, and one in four women want to access contraception but cannot for various reasons.
Data from the statistics authority shows that 16% of ODS indicators are running properly, 56% need to be accelerated and 28% are backward. To measure the progress of national meta, the availability, quality and utilization of data can also be improved.
“With more than 70% of the population under 35 years old and a young population, the demographic transition presents the potential to capitalize on the demographic bonus. Investments in health, education, capacity building and employment for young people can accelerate the realization of Timor-Leste’s development goals and aspirations.” She explained.
Therefore, UNFPA is committed to supporting the government in the areas of dynamic population, reproductive health and reproductive rights, gender equality, youth development, reflected in the impact of demographic change and economic development, social and environmental services, use of data and evidence.
On this occasion, the Minister of Business and Foreign Cooperation (MNEC), Bendito Freitas said that MNEC has a national consultant program organized by UNFPA as a UN partner.
“We have a national consultant held by UNFPA as a UN partner, and our government in Timor-Leste which has been running for a long time, especially to see the strategic programs for the next five years from 2026-2030,” said the Minister.
He said, several months ago the Ministry of Business and Foreign Cooperation also held a National Consultation with other UN agencies such as UNICEF, WFP, and UNDP.
“Today we and UNFPA are very important, because one of the fundamental elements for our society is health for women, children, pregnant women, so this program is very important. The UN is working with us and also support from donors such as the Japanese government to build clinics and are also responsible for posts and community health centers.” He said.
In addition, the elements that are important for the government to create a healthy, prosperous society are related to capacity orientation, adequate, systematic and appropriate assistance, especially in the guidance of girls, pregnant women and young people.
Reported by : Estefania
Picture by : Estefania