Gleno, 28-29/06/2024 – UNDP organized the Career and Education Fair in partnership with the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE). This fair is a part of the project activity of the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills Project (YEES) jointly funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Government of Timor Lest via the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI), and UNDP.

The main goal of this career and education fair is to provide comprehensive information about opportunities for career development, employer branding, education, vocational training, career talks, and scholarship opportunities for individuals, job seekers, students, and recent graduates. For two days, participants can explore booths from employers, public institutions, youth centers, training centers, and universities to promote this information.

The event featured the launching ceremony of the Career and Education Fair, the SIMU-Web Platform, Soft Skills, and Career Counseling Manual. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, H.E. Mr. Rogério Araújo Mendonça; Secretary of State for Local Development, H.E. Mr. Mateus dos Santos Tallo; Representative of H.E. Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Board of Directors of the Timor-Leste Tourism Authority, Mr. Virgilio Smith; President of Ermera Municipal Authority, Mr. Jose Martinho Santos Soares; Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Timor-Leste, Ms. Adeline Carrier; and Programme Manager of KOICA Timor-Leste, Ms. KIM, Jieun, among other esteemed guests.

In his speech, Mr. Rogério Araújo Mendonça, Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, emphasized the importance of providing youth with access to information on education and career opportunities to help them prepare for both national and international job markets. He urged young people to make the most of the resources and information available at the fair to make informed decisions about their future. Mr. Rogério also expressed his gratitude to all the partners involved in organizing the event. He expressed his hope that the fair would be successful in connecting young people with opportunities to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

Throughout the fair, numerous employers showcased their company profiles and job opportunities, providing attendees with a unique chance to connect directly with potential employers. The diverse array of companies represented ensured that participants had access to a broad spectrum of career paths and industries. Besides, as a side event, there was a series of interactive career talks and policy dialogue sessions. These sessions explored the opportunities and challenges of employment, including prospects for working in overseas countries. Expert speakers provided valuable insights and engaged with attendees through dynamic Q&A sessions, addressing their queries and concerns.

Ms. Jieun Kim, Programme Manager of KOICA Timor-Leste highlighted the partnership between South Korea and Timor-Leste in the economic sector and emphasized the significance of launching the online job connection platform, SIMU-Web. Meanwhile, Resident Representative of UNDP a.i., Ms. Adeline Carrier shared this event offers numerous benefits for both employers and participants to support youth employment and career development in Timor-Leste.

UNDP remains committed to empowering job seekers and students in their career and educational journeys. UNDP also extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, employers, and educational institutions for contributing to the success of this event.