Tripartite constituents advance development of Timor-Leste's Decent Work Country Programme 2026–2030

Decent work

Tripartite constituents advance development of Timor-Leste's Decent Work Country Programme 2026-2030

Tripartite constituents in Timor-Leste reaffirm their commitment to promoting productive employment, strengthening worker protection and advancing inclusive labour market governance.

9 July 2026

Tripartite representatives in Timor-Leste discuss priorities for the new Decent Work Country Programme 2026-2030. 7/2026

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - Tripartite representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Timor-Leste - government, employers' and workers' organizations - met in Dili on 2 July for a technical meeting to advance the development of the new Timor-Leste Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2026-2030.

The DWCP is the main country-level framework through which the ILO and its tripartite constituents agree on priorities to guide ILO cooperation in Timor-Leste. It ensures that the Organization's support is aligned with national development priorities and the needs of its tripartite partners.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (CCI-TL), the Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL), as well as other government institutions and national stakeholders.

The new Decent Work Country Programme provides an important opportunity for the Government, employers and workers to agree on shared priorities for creating more and better jobs, protecting workers, and strengthening labour market institutions.

Carlito Cabral, Director General of SEFOPE

The new DWCP will build on the achievements and lessons learned from the 2022-2025 DWCP and the priorities identified during the initial tripartite consultation held in October 2025. It will also be aligned with the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030, the Constitutional Government Programme, the National Employment Strategy Implementation Plan 2025-2028, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026-2030.

During the meeting, the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL) presented the country's economic performance and outlook. The presentation provided important context for discussions on employment creation, private sector development, economic diversification and the future direction of the labour market.

Diego Rei, ILO Employment Specialist, presented an assessment of Timor-Leste's ASEAN integration and its implications for the country's labour market and the world of work. 7/2026

The ILO also presented an assessment of Timor-Leste's ASEAN integration and its implications for employment, enterprise development, skills development, labour mobility and competitiveness. The assessment served as a basis for discussions on the opportunities and challenges arising from regional integration.

Participants reviewed the proposed priorities and outcomes of the new DWCP, taking into account Timor-Leste's economic and labour market context, national employment priorities and emerging regional opportunities. Discussions focused on three proposed priority areas that respond to the needs of workers, employers and the wider economy:

1. Employment and employability promotion, and enterprise development;
2. Enhanced protection of workers and expanded social protection; and
3. Improved labour market governance, including stronger social dialogue and strengthened capacity of employers' and workers' organizations.

National ownership and tripartite participation are essential to ensuring that the new Decent Work Country Programme reflects Timor-Leste's realities and aspirations. It will guide our joint efforts to promote employment, strengthen worker protection and improve labour market institutions.

Diego Rei, ILO Employment Specialist

The inputs gathered during the meeting will be incorporated into the next draft of the DWCP 2026-2030.

The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of tripartite dialogue and national ownership in shaping the new programme. Participants emphasized the need for continued collaboration to ensure that the DWCP is practical, inclusive and responsive to Timor-Leste's evolving development needs.