ILO supports capacity building and social dialogue to strengthen social protection in Timor-Leste

DILI, Timor-Leste (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO), through the European Union-funded project "Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste," has supported the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) in strengthening the country's social protection system and expanding inclusive social security coverage, particularly for workers in the informal economy.

As part of this effort, the ILO organized a two-day capacity-building programme on "Strengthening the Social Protection System in Timor-Leste: Foundations, Standards, and Practice" on 28 and 29 May 2026 at Timor Plaza in Dili. The programme brought together 60 participants from national and municipal level National Social Security Institute (INSS) offices, workers' and employers' organizations, relevant government institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development partners.

Participants of the training programme on social protection in Dili, Timor-Leste 05/2026

The training aimed to strengthen technical knowledge, promote collaboration, and advance social dialogue on social protection policy and practice in Timor-Leste.

The initiative formed part of broader national efforts to strengthen social protection systems and improve access to social security for all workers. Social protection plays a critical role in reducing poverty and vulnerability, promoting social inclusion, and strengthening economic resilience. Effective social security systems help protect workers and their families against risks such as illness, workplace injuries, disability, old age, unemployment, and loss of income.

The National Institute of Social Security remains committed to working closely with all partners to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable social security system in Timor-Leste.

Leoneto V. F.C. Pereira, Director of the Academia Department at the INSS.

Pereira also expressed appreciation to the ILO and the European Union Delegation in Timor-Leste for their continued support through the Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste initiative.

Despite significant progress in developing its social protection framework, many workers in Timor-Leste, particularly those in the informal economy, remain outside formal social security coverage. Expanding coverage through voluntary social security schemes was highlighted as a key priority during the programme.

Many Timorese workers are engaged in agriculture, fishing, small-scale trade, transport, construction, and self-employment, often without adequate social protection or long-term income security.

The programme combined technical learning, policy dialogue, and practical discussions to strengthen understanding of social protection systems and support institutional development. Sessions explored social protection as a human right, the life-cycle approach to social protection, international labour and social security standards, social protection impacts and coverage trends, and an overview of Timor-Leste's social security system.

several participants having discussions in Dili, Timor-Leste 05/2026

Participants also exchanged other country experiences and discussed practical approaches to developing more inclusive and sustainable social protection systems.

"Social protection is a fundamental human right and is essential for promoting human dignity and advancing social inclusion," said Johanes Don Bosco, Programme Officer of the Delegation of the European Union to Timor-Leste.

It also plays a key role in reducing poverty and contributes directly to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 1, particularly Target 1.3 on implementing social protection systems for all.

He further added that the European Union remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste in strengthening institutions, empowering communities, and ensuring that development benefits reach those most in need.

Through interactive discussions, and group work, participants identified practical and context-specific recommendations to strengthen institutional coordination, improve social dialogue, and support the continued development of social protection systems in Timor-Leste. The programme also aimed to strengthen institutional capacity and deepen understanding of the role of social protection in advancing inclusive national development.

"Through this training, we aim to support our counterparts in Timor-Leste by strengthening knowledge on the foundations and basic standards of social security, updating understanding of the existing social security systems in Timor-Leste, and sharing international best practices and lessons learned," said Sriyani Mudiyanselage, Technical Officer for Social Protection at the ILO.

These comparative insights will support Timor-Leste in further strengthening and adapting its social protection system, and in building the capacity of key stakeholders.

The initiative reflects Timor-Leste's commitment to building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable social protection system that leaves no one behind. Through strengthened partnerships and continued dialogue among government institutions, workers, employers, civil society, and development partners, the initiative contributes to advancing decent work, social inclusion, and social protection for all.