Message from the UN Resident Coordinator
2024 has been an exciting year for the UN in Timor-Leste and as the year draws to a close, I reflect on the progress of collective UN efforts in supporting Timor-Leste and some of the challenges going forward.
This newsletter is a summary of some of the UN’s work, with a particular focus on notable joint efforts in supporting the Government and people of Timor-Leste.
This year, the UN provided direct relief to 45,000 vulnerable individuals and reached 241,000 indirect beneficiaries across three municipalities through the collaborative efforts of FAO, UNICEF, and WFP. These interventions addressed the impacts of the 2023 El Niño-induced drought, made possible by resources mobilised from the Common Emergency Relief Fund (CERF). Additionally, the Together for Equality programme, led by five UN agencies, continues to empower women and girls, combat gender-based violence, and promote leadership and autonomy.
The UN also supported the government in strengthening climate resilience, improving education and teacher capacity, and strengthening health systems, including the launch of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 11–14 and the establishment of the sixth Timor Newborn Care Centre. High-impact initiatives on food system transformation, social inclusion, and nutrition further underscore our dedication to enhancing livelihoods, bolstering decentralisation, advancing governance, and honouring women’s contributions to the nation’s progress.
A significant milestone was the UNSDCF 2024 Steering Committee Meeting, which reviewed current progress, assessed the existing framework, and set out preparations for the new UNSDCF (2026–2030). The first ASEAN-UN Dialogue reaffirmed our commitment to TimorLeste’s regional aspirations, while advancements in data systems have laid a solid foundation for evidence-based decision-making in 2025 and beyond.
These accomplishments highlight the strength of our partnerships with the government, development partners, civil society, and communities. As we approach a new year, let us carry forward this spirit of collaboration and optimism.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, prosperity, and progress.
Funmi Balogun
UN Resident Coordinator