Welcome to UNDP Timor-Leste

The United Nations Development Programme is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. On the ground in 166 countries, the UNDP works alongside governments, institutions and citizens on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

In Timor-Leste, UNDP works closely with the UN Country Team, international financial institutions as well as bilateral and multilateral agencies within the framework of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste established by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1704, of 2006, which underpins the “One UN approach.” 

Background

UNDP began its involvement in Timor-Leste in December 1999, working initially with the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET), in the areas of rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Standard Basic Assistance Agreement (SBAA) signed on 20 May 2002 provided an early framework for UNDP’s intervention in the country. At the same time, with independence in 2002 came a gradual move in programming focus beyond the necessities of post-conflict recovery, and towards a sustainable development strategy. UNDP proved quick in responding to the humanitarian emergency which occurred in the wake of the 2006 crisis, initiating Flash Appeal programmes and creating a Crisis Prevention and Recovery portfolio with a focus on strengthening post-conflict governance, restoring local socio-economic foundations, and developing national capacity for disaster risk management and recovery.

The Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP) 2009-2013 has been formulated in partnership with state institutions including the Ministry of Economy and Development. The country programme mirrors the priorities of the Fourth Constitutional Government’s framework for promoting administrative reform and stabilization. It has benefited from various stakeholder consultations with the government, parliament and other state institutions, civil society and the United Nations (UN) system.

The proposed country programme is anchored in the UNDAF 2009-2013, the vision statement of which is “Consolidating peace and stability in Timor-Leste” and seeks to contribute to the following three UNDAF outcomes:

• To build foundations for a culture of democratic governance;

• To promote sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction;

• To contribute to universal access to and utilization of quality basic services.

The programme will focus on outcomes consistent with the thrust of the UNDP Strategic Plan 2008-11 and the UNDAF Outcomes listed above. The current CPAP will focus on the following three programme components.

• Poverty Reduction, Environment and Sustainable Development

• Democratic Governance

• Crisis Prevention and Recovery

Gender concerns cut across these programmes, contributing to UNDP’s collective efforts to reducing gender disparities. Our work also applies a Rights-Based Approach to Programming (RBAP).