Liquiçá, October 16th, 2024 — Over two days, representatives from the National Parliament, the Government, the Judiciary, Civil Society, and key sectors gathered in Liquiçá for the "Panorama Orçamental 2025"—Budget Overview Seminar. Organized with the support of Pro-PALOP-TL, a project financed by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, the event offered a critical platform for open dialogue on the guiding principles of Timor-Leste's 2025 State Budget.

The seminar, held on 16 and 17 October 2024, provided a unique platform to foster in-depth discussions among a diverse group of key national stakeholders. This included Members of Parliament, Government Officials, and Civil Society Representatives, all of whom played a crucial role in contributing to rich debates on national priorities and fiscal planning, reflecting the collaborative nature of the event.

Ms. Cedelizia Faria dos Santos, President of Committee C of the National Parliament, opened the seminar emphasising the importance of institutional cooperation for effective governance, while praising the donors, the EU and UNDP. Ms. Katyna Argueta, UNDP Resident Representative in Timor-Leste, and Mr. Christoph Sorg, Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union to Timor-Leste, also delivered their speeches, and Her Excellency Ms. Maria Terezinha Viegas, Vice-President of the National Parliament, shared her remarks, officially inaugurating the seminar.

"The budget we are discussing today represents much more than a financial plan for the coming year. It embodies a vision of a Timor-Leste that is fairer, more inclusive, and better prepared to face the challenges of the future. And it is in this spirit of commitment and cooperation that UNDP will continue to support the Government and people of Timor-Leste in achieving these goals so that together we can build a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous country", expressed Ms. Katyna Argueta on her remarks.

Followed by Mr. Christoph Sorg who stated, “It is crucial that resources are allocated appropriately to achieve the priorities which have been defined. This way the government will demonstrate its strong commitment to deliver in all policy areas and be able to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. The European Union, a steadfast supporter of the country since its independence, will continue to support reforms and initiatives that contribute to the proper functioning of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Timor-Leste”.

H.E. Ms Maria Terezinha Viegas, Vice-President of the National Parliament, officially opened the session by highlighting how “Holding this seminar is testimony to the National Parliament's commitment to transparency and good governance.”

The agenda allowed for in-depth presentations by key Government Ministers and financial experts and time for questions and debate. The first day, October 16th, started with key presentations from Mr. Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, 1st Vice Prime-Minister Interim, Ms. Felícia Claudinanda Cruz Carvalho, the Vice-Minister of Finance, Mr. Helder Lopes the Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, Mr. Tomás Cabral, the Minister of State Administration, and featured a technical analysis of the 2025 State Budget from the Sustainable Development Goals - SDG’s perspective led by Mr. Artemy Izmestiev, UNDP's Country Economist. 

On his presentation, Minister of State Administration, Mr. Tomás Cabral, emphasized the invaluable collaboration between the European Union, UNDP, and the government, which has been instrumental in driving forward key national priorities such as decentralization and digitalization. He praised the strong partnership, noting that these efforts are pivotal to the country's progress and development, and expressed gratitude for the continued support in implementing these transformative projects.

The session continued on October 17th, with presentations from Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mr. Mariano Assanami Sabino, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Mr. Gastão Francisco de Sousa, the President of the Court of Appeal, Mr. Deolindo dos Santos, the Vice-Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Ms. Céu Brites, the Coordinator of the Authority of RAEOA and ZEESM, Mr. João Mendes Gonçalves, followed by civil society organizations’ voices with Mr. Celestino Gusmão from Lao Hamutuk, and a gender-sensitive budgeting presentation led by the Head of UN Women for Timor-Leste Nishta Satyam and Mr. Januário dos Reis.

This seminar was a vital opportunity for key national institutions to engage deeply with the country's financial planning and decision-making processes, promoting transparency, collaboration, and inclusive governance in Timor-Leste.

About Pro PALOP-TL ISC Phase III

Pro PALOP-TL ISC (PHASE III)—The Program for the Consolidation of Economic Governance and Public Financial Management Systems in the PALOP and Timor-Leste aims to improve economic governance in the PALOP-TL. The Program is the result of the Strategic Partnership between the EU and UNDP. It receives funding from the European Union of 8 million Euros, administered directly by the UNDP.