Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste
Project properties
- Partners: European Union
- Status: In progress
- This project is part of the Global Flagship Programme on Building Social Protection Floors for All
Description
The European Union-funded project “Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste” supports the Government of Timor-Leste in addressing malnutrition and promoting social inclusion for vulnerable populations. Implemented over 48 months, the initiative forms part of the EU's Multiannual Indicative Programme for Timor-Leste (2021–2027), under the priority of good governance for sustainable development. It operates through a joint effort by the World Food Programme (WFP), International Labour Organization (ILO), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The project aims to contribute to reduced malnutrition and increased social inclusion among pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under five, and school-aged children. Its central outcome is to improve the nutritional and health status of these vulnerable groups through enhanced access to strengthened safety nets. The ILO leads the component on social protection, focusing on extending contributory social security coverage to workers in the informal economy—such as domestic workers, small-scale farmers, fishers, and market vendors—who remain largely excluded from formal protection systems despite making up the majority of the workforce. To achieve its objectives, the ILO supports the Government of Timor-Leste in building institutional capacity at both national and municipal levels. This includes strengthening the ability to manage, implement, deliver, and monitor integrated nutrition and social protection schemes for vulnerable people. The ILO works in close partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), the Secretariat of State for Vocational Training and Employment (SEFOPE), and social partners including trade unions and employer organizations. The project’s design is firmly anchored in the national development agenda, particularly the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030, the National Social Protection Strategy 2021–2030, and the post-COVID Economic Recovery Plan. It also draws guidance from international frameworks such as the ILO Social Protection Floors Recommendation (No. 202), the UN Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection, and the Sustainable Development Goals. By improving access to inclusive and sustainable social protection systems and contributing to better nutrition outcomes, the project seeks to reduce vulnerabilities, promote equity, and foster long-term human development in Timor-Leste.Time
01.06.2025 - 31.05.2029
Budget
351 234 / 1 111 090
Development Cooperation