Dili, Timor-Leste, 2 July 2020

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 Integral Local Development by Building the Capacities of the Municipal Authorities in Timor-Leste” project that is jointly funded by EU and UNDP. This project is technical assistance to the bigger programme of the Government of Timor-Leste “Supporting Programme to Deconcentration and Decentralisation process in Timor-Leste (SPDD-TL)” which was launched in February 2020 with budget support from European Union.

The new project aims to increase local public administrative power and service delivery closer to rural communities, with special attention to the needs and priorities of vulnerable communities. Thursday’s project document signing ceremony and annual ‘project board meeting’ is part of formally approving all UNDP projects and in this case includes UNDP and the Ministry of State Administration as co-chairs and EU and the Parliament as members of the Board. This composition is designed to involve all key stakeholders in decision making.

With a total budget of US$ 3.9 million for 3 years which US$ 3.5 million are provided by the EU, this project will focus on improved policy framework and informed discussion at the National Parliament, capacity building of municipal authorities through increased information technology training and data usage to inform decision making. This includes computer-based modular courses for public servants, procuring IT equipment for municipal authorities, and the use of a “Municipal Data Portal” to improve transparency and help monitor the performance.

On the occasion of the signing ceremony, the EU Ambassador Andrew Jacobs declared: “the general objective of the newest EU programme is to support Timor-Leste’s decentralisation policy, bringing governance, public administration and services closer to the Timorese people”.

UNDP Resident Representative Munkhtuya Altangerel said: “UNDP’s partnership with EU for this new project makes it possible to support MSA and the municipalities to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable populations, to ensure their well-being, and to provide equal opportunities for rural communities, with special attention to youth and women.”

As one of the UNDP’s programs with the most extensive links to rural communities the Decentralisation project has also adapted its work plan to include significant COVID-19 response support to the National Parliament, Ministry of State Administration, and municipal authorities. This includes installing a press room in the National Parliament; a civic education campaign on issues related to Covid-19; the establishment of online communications channels between Parliament and citizens; and the digitalization of meetings in the National Parliament.

The signing event will be held in the VIP Room at the Ministry of State Administration, Dili on Thursday, 2 July 2020, from 09.30 – 11.00am.