Latest press releases
UNDP, GDS To Cooperate On Expanded Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
As Timor-Leste implements new movement restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19 in border municipalities, the United Nations Development Programme, General Directorate of Statistics (GDS) and…

Launch of “Together for Equality” USD 7.7 Million Joint Effort Supporting National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) from Four United Nations Agencies and Koica Timor-Leste
Four UN agencies: UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA and IOM through the generous funding of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Timor-Leste with the State Secretariat for Equality and Inclusion…

UNDP Helps Digitize School Data in Oé-Cusse.
School inspectors in Timor-Leste's semi-autonomous region of Oé-Cusse will begin digitizing school data, after the UNDP handed over six mobile tablets to the Regional Secretary of Education and Social…

UNDP and Facebook join hands to strengthen efforts on news literacy in Timor-Leste
UNDP and Facebook held a half-day training for journalists and editors as part of their efforts to support the news ecosystem in Timor-Leste. During the session, over 40 participants learned about…

Youth Co:Lab Timor-Leste Youth Forum: Leadership, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Youth Co:Lab, jointly organized by the UNDP Accelerator Lab Timor-Leste and Recycling Promotion Pilot Project, facilitated a National Youth Forum on Friday. The forum took place at Novo Turismo and…

Municipal Portal: increasing youth engagement in decision-making through Open Data
Timor-Leste has among the world’s highest percentages of youth population, with almost 75% per cent of the Timorese population under 35 years old. By making demographic and socio-economic data…

UN, KOICA, Commit $7.7m To End Gender-Based Violence
Four UN agencies: UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA and IOM will collaborate in a four-year project to enhance efforts to ensure that all women and girls in Timor-Leste can enjoy their right to live free from…

UNDP, Youth Collaborate in Second National Innovation Challenge
Timor-Leste’s emerging and aspiring youth entrepreneurs gathered at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) youth hub Knua Juventude Fila-Liman (KJFL) today to celebrate the launch of the 2020…

UN Report Finds Major Decline in Timorese Household Income During Covid-19
Large sectors of Timor Leste’s population have seen significant declines in income since the implementation of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in April 2020, according to a United…

ICT Infrastructure Improves Education for Timorese Youth
School students and teachers in Oé-Cusse will have the opportunity to gain fundamental ICT skills following the official handover of the newly renovated ETARO ICT lab on October 2, 2020.

Uma Komunikasaun – Communications House: helping journalists to bring the National Parliament closer to the people of Timor-Leste
Parliament is central to democratic governance and accountability. It is important that people are able to monitor what Parliament, and their representatives, who work for them, are doing. The Uma…

Food Distribution Reaches Atauro and Bobonaro
Ongoing emergency food distribution for Timor Leste's most vulnerable communities continued in September.

New partnership to boost access to solar-powered electricity for thousands in Indonesia and Timor- Leste.
About 20,000 people living in rural and remote parts of Indonesia and Timor-Leste will gain access to clean electricity and clean water from solar power as a result of a US$ 18 million initiative…

PNTL Invests in Skills to Investigate Cases of Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Against Children Under EU-funded Spotlight Initiative
According to a 2019 report issued by World Vision and partners, a “staggering 87.4% children - 612,000 children - experience physical or emotional violence at home in Timor-Leste.” The European Union…

Municipal data collection begins, enabling decentralisation and inclusive development in Timor-Leste
Thursday September 3rd marked the final day for a training program on data collection through the Municipal Portal facilitated by the Ministry of State Administration (MSA), the European Union (EU)…

UNDP, Government Launch Project to Protect Rural Communities Against Climate Change
Government representatives from the key ministries joined with NGO representatives to open a large United Nations Development Program-supported project to establish climate-resilient agriculture in…

Vice-minister visits ICT training in Oecusse
Vice-Minister of Education, Mr. Antonio Guterres, visited a newly renovated computer lab at ETARO Masin, Pante-Makasar in Oé-Cusse to observe a ten-day intensive ICT training program for 28 local…

Covid-19 procurement proceeding as planned
As confirmed by Minister of Health Doutora Odete Maria Freitas Belo on August 13, UNDP procurement of US$5.7 million of health equipment and medicines to respond to the Covid-19 crisis, and other…

Tais tradition boosted through social media competition
On Tuesday August 4, the Oecusse Community Tourism Project held a ceremony to award certificates to traditional Tai's waivers in Oecussi. Eleven individual finalists received certificates, food…

Government of Timor-Leste, KOICA and UNDP inaugurate inter-suco water systems in Baucau and Bobonaro
On Friday August 7, the Government of Timor-Leste, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) inaugurated a new community water system in…

A virtuous circle: food distribution begins in Timor Leste food security project
Food baskets have begun arriving to vulnerable households in Baucau Municipality. The food baskets – sourced directly from local farmers and via the government-supported Loja dos Agricultores…

The European Union and UNDP launch television series to strengthen Parliament-Citizen communication
On Tuesday, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a media training programme to strengthen the ability of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste to…

Government of Timor-Leste, European Union, United Nations, and partners inaugurate Spotlight Initiative in Bobonaro, Ermera, Viqueque
Her Excellency Maria José da Fonseca Monteiro de Jesus, Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion, inaugurated today the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative at Bobonaro Municipal Administration Office in…

The European Union and the UNDP boost the decentralisation process in Timor-Leste by improving the capacities of Municipalities.
On Tuesday, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a new training programme on data collection through the ‘Municipal Portal’ to increase the skills and…

UNDP receives further equipment to support Timor Leste during Covid-19
Timor Leste’s gains as a Covid-19 free country were today consolidated as the UNDP welcomed further shipments of critical medicines and materials to support the Government of Timor Leste and the…

Ministry of Finance and UNDP Launch Food Security Project for Tens of Thousands of Timorese
While Timor Leste has so far avoided a major health crisis from Covid-19, the socio-economic impacts of the response to manage the virus have begun to bite for many of the country’s most…

Ministry of State Administration Progresses with European Union and UNDP Decentralisation Project
Representatives from the European Union (EU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ministry of State Administration (MSA) met Thursday to sign off on a project document for “Strengthening…

Supporting Timor-Leste’s Most Vulnerable During Covid-19: UNDP and PNTL put the Spotlight on gender-based violence
Increased socio-economic stress and confinement at home is a major risk factor for increased violence against women and girls.

Timor growing – but progress is unequal, UNDP report says
Timor-Leste has made progress in human development this century, but the benefits of growth have not been shared equally, a new UN report says.

UNDP: Governments must lead fight against coronavirus misinformation and disinformation
Dili, June 11, 2020 – Governments must lead the fight against a growing tide of inflammatory and misleading information threatening to worsen the already severe impacts of the virus, according to the…

European Union and UNDP sign USD 4,1 million Agreement to support decentralisation in the municipalities of Timor-Leste
The Ambassador of the European Union Mr Andrew Jacobs and UNDP Resident Representative Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel signed an Agreement to launch “Strengthening Integral Local Development by Building the…

EU and UN approve €122 million for Spotlight Initiative in the Caribbean, Central Asia and the Pacific
New York - The Spotlight Initiative’s Operational Steering Committee has approved €122 million for new investments across 12 countries and programmes in the Caribbean, Central Asia and Pacific…

Co-Create Standard Guidelines for Timor-Leste First Green Building Design Challenge
Timor-Leste Accelerator Lab proudly presents its first workshop on green building design challenge Standard Guidelines. The workshop is held in Dili at Timor Plaza (Suai Room) from 16th until 18th…

First Youth Co:Lab Timor-Leste National Youth Forum Launched in Timor-Leste
The First Youth Co:Lab Timor-Leste National Youth Forum on leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship is happening right now in Dili, Timor-Leste. The event is held from 2nd until 6th December 2019.…

New Head of UNDP in Asia Pacific Region ready to support countries accelerate on their sustainable development pathways
Kanni Wignaraja is set to assume her role as Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on 1 December 2019. Ms. Wignaraja, who is from Sri…

Public Presentation and Launching of Baucau Municipal Strategy Development Plan 2019-2023
In partnership with the Ministry of State Administration and the Municipal Authority of Baucau, on October 24 the United Nations Development Programme, with the generous support of KOICA, launched the…

Submissions sought from youth in Timor-Leste for two global youth innovation challenges
DILI, Timor-Leste, 30 September 2019 – Two global initiatives that support innovation by youth - the Generation Unlimited (GenU) Youth Challenge and Youth Co:Lab Innovation Challenge –launched in…

Accelerator Lab Launch in Timor-Leste
UNDP and UNICEF, in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste, are launching the first-ever Accelerator Lab in Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste has been chosen as one of the global networks of 60…
Global Green Climate Fund approves $22.4 million for climate-resilient infrastructure in Timor-Leste
7 July 2019, Songdo, Korea – At its 23rd Board Meeting the Green Climate Fund Board has today approved US$$22.4 million for Timor-Leste to advance its adaptation priorities while focusing on more…
UNDP Working Together with Ministry State Administration Conduct Workshop for Reviewing Municipal Strategy Development Plan of Bobonaro Municipal
In a partnership with the Ministry of State Administration and the Municipalities of Bobonaro will conduct three days’ workshop from 17 to 19 of June 2019 for reviewing municipal strategic plan of…
UNDP and MSA establish a new partnership to strengthen the decentralisation of public administration in Timor-Leste
Maliana, 29 October 2018: Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ministry of State Administration (MSA), a new KOICA-funded initiative ‘Supporting Decentralization of…
Timor-Leste improves global human development ranking: UNDP report
Dili, 21 September 2018: Timor-Leste has seen a slight improvement in its global ranking in the latest Human Development Index (HDI) released this month by the United Nations Development Programme…
UNDP and CAC form new partnership to strengthen transparency and accountability in Timor-Leste
Dili, 09 July 2018: Supported by KOICA in partnership with the Anti-Corruption Commission (CAC) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) a new initiative ‘Strengthening anti-corruption,…
The United Nations in Timor-Leste Congratulates New Prime Minister of Timor-Leste
The United Nations system in Timor-Leste congratulates newly-appointed Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Taur Matan Ruak.
UNDP joins forces with award-winning communications production company to promote youth voices in Timor-Leste
Dili, 18 June 2018: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Well Told Story strategic communications group will facilitate a series of workshops in Dili this week,…
Youth ambassador to bring global attention to climate change and marine degradation impacts in Timor-Leste
Dili, 14 June 2018: Timorese youth ambassador Justaquiu “Jake” Fabiano Lasi will set sail for New York later this month to share messages with civil society and government representatives highlighting…
Roadshow promotes environmentally friendly cook stoves with Timor-Leste communities
Dili, 05 June 2018: Starting today - World Environment Day - communities across Timor-Leste’s 11 municipalities will have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the benefits of using energy…

Statement on Timor-Leste Parliamentary Election 2018
The UN Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of UNDP together with all members of the UN Country Team in Timor-Leste congratulates the people, Government, all national institutions and…
Increased investments in youth and their wellbeing now are crucial to seizing Timor-Leste’s demographic opportunity: UNDP report
Dili, 03 April 2018: Timor-Leste is about to enter a unique 30-40-year demographic opportunity window with the potential for rapid economic and human development gains. While many countries are…
UNDP kicks off series of evacuation drills to strengthen tsunami preparedness of schools in coastal communities
Dili, 16 March 2018: Today UNDP collaborated with the National Directorate for Disaster Risk Management and Manututo Municipality local authority to hold a tsunami evacuation drill at St. Antonio…
UN Secretary-General's remarks at Signing Ceremony of a New Maritime Boundary Agreement between Australia and Timor-Leste
New York, 06 March 2018: Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Allow me, first of all, to say that this is a particularly important day for me. One of my most important motivations in my political…
Statement on Parliamentary Elections
The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative warmly congratulates the people, Government and candidates of Timor-Leste on the occasion of their parliamentary elections and welcomes the…
10 SDG Solutions for Asia-Pacific
Entitled “10 Solutions to Help Meet the SDGs,” the report describes large-scale projects in ten countries in the region – Bangladesh, China, India, Iran, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the…
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Cost-sharing Agreement
The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Cost-sharing Agreement for an amount of 125,000 US Dollars for the…

United Nations holds first business forum on Sustainable Goals in Asia
The Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development is hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Initiatives. Over 600 international business, government and NGO…
Launch of the Solar Panel System at the UN House in Dili
The new solar energy system at the UN House in Caicoli, Dili, will be launched at ceremony on Monday 24 October at 4.00pm. The system is one of the largest of its kind in Timor-Leste, and will support…
UNDP Opens SDG Knowledge Exchange in Bangkok
Bangkok, 24 October 2016 – More than 150 delegates and development experts from 36 countries in Asia and the Pacific convened today in Bangkok to share expertise and ideas on how to integrate the…
The ‘Time Has Come’ to Reduce Stigma in Health Care Settings
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Human Rights Adviser’s Unit and WHO worked together with the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Health (INS) to host a five day…
Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau blows whistle on poverty at world’s first women’s amateur soccer World Cup
Globally acclaimed Danish actor and star of HBO’s Game of Thrones Nikolaj Coster-Waldau kicked off his role as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme by refereeing the…
SGP Timor-Leste launches its OP6 Strategy
The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Small Grant Programme (SGP) has started working in Timor-Leste with its fifth operational phase (OP5) since 2012 and it has been implemented for over 4 years in…

UNDP and the Government of Japan Sign New Programme for Electoral Assistance
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan is signing a cost-sharing agreement to formalize funding support of over US$3.8 million (JPY 388,000,000) for an umbrella…

UNDP and the Republic of Korea launch new cooperation on Electoral and Legal Assistance
Dili, 5 December 2016, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Republic of Korea is launching a new programme of electoral and legal assistance of over US$3 million on “Electoral and…
Oe-Cusse administrartion enters into key partnerships with world’s leading organizations
As parts of its efforts to leverage the strengths of some of the world’s leading organizations for the benefit of the people of Oe-Cusse and implementing its innovative ‘Partnering with the Best’…

Statement for Administrator for International Women’s Day 2016
This International Women’s Day, the world stands well positioned to move forward on gender equality. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the UN General Assembly last year, asserts…
The Authority of the Oe-Cusse SAR and ZEESM and the United Nations Aim to Strengthen Ties
A workshop between the officials of the Authority of the Oe-Cusse Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Special Economic Zones of Social Market Economy (ZEESM) and members of the United Nations…

UNDP, MSA and MCIE commissioned rural water supply project in Suco Ossoala as part of climate resilient small scale rural infrastructure project in Timor-Leste.
UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of State Administration and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment, officially commissioned one of several projects that were implemented in 2015 by…
Secretary-General Message on the International Day of Families
This year’s International Day of Families falls at a time of upheaval and tragedy for families around the world. The rise of violent extremism, the effects of forced displacement, extreme weather…
Launch of new sustainable development agenda to guide development actions for the next 15 years
New York, 1 January 2016 – The new year ushers in the official launch of the bold and transformative 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by world leaders last September at the United…
UNDP Innovation Summit: Updating Development in Asia-Pacific
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) kicked off today a two-day interactive conference on innovative thinking. Its objective is to explore how innovation can help address development…

MSS and UNDP partnership to strengthen infrastructure against natural disaster along Dili-to-Ainaro Corridor
The Ministry of Social Solidarity and the United Nations Development Programme today, signed a new partnership agreement designed to protect critical infrastructure along the Dili-to-Ainaro…
