European Union, UN Agencies, and Timor-Leste Government Launch Steering Committee for Nutrition and Social Inclusion

The meeting was chaired by the Vice Minister of Health for Hospital Operationalization, Dr. Flávio Brandão, with UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Funmi Balogun and EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Mr Thorsten Bargfrede, as co-chairs. The meeting brought together representatives from partner ministries, national and municipal government entities, civil society organisations, development partners, representatives from workers’ and employers’ organisations, and key stakeholders in the nutrition and social inclusion sector.

"This partnership between the European Union and Timor-Leste is committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and social programmes," stated Dr. Brandão. "Our goal is to create a robust framework that addresses the root causes of malnutrition and social exclusion. By leveraging international expertise and local knowledge, we strive to foster a healthier, more inclusive future for generations to come."

Mr Bargfrede emphasised, "The European Union remains devoted to Timor-Leste's sustainable development goals, focusing not just on immediate solutions but on long-term strategies to improve social inclusion and nutrition. By investing in these areas, we are fostering a cycle of positive growth, elevating the well-being of communities and offering hope for future generations."

Ms Balogun remarked, "This initiative highlights the power of partnership in overcoming obstacles and fostering a brighter future for Timor-Leste. Our collective effort to address critical issues such as nutrition and social inclusion is a testament to what can be achieved when diverse agencies unite with a common vision. Together, we are paving the way for meaningful change and sustainable progress."

The Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste project aims to support the Government of Timor-Leste in reducing malnutrition and promoting social inclusion, targeting vulnerable communities—particularly schoolchildren, young women, with a focus on rural and farming communities —through improved nutrition, school feeding, sustainable agricultural practices, enhanced healthcare access, and strengthened social protection systems in Aileu, Covalima, Dili, and Lautem.

The initiative is funded with EUR 9.9 million by the European Union and an additional EUR 1.8 million from UN agencies. It aims to improve nutrition and social inclusion for around 120,000 people in four municipalities. Implementation is led by the World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

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