MoFAC, 22 May 2023 – Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Social, Solidarity and Inclusion’s Head of Partnership and Cooperation Unit, Joao Coimbra, along with Pedro Laranjeira, the National Director for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Committee, DGAA, MoFA, led Timor-Leste’s delegation in a virtual meeting of the 17th ASEAN-GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development. The forum focused on accelerating the implementation of ASEAN’s commitments for gender equality through gender mainstreaming and social inclusion.
Amidst the global pandemic, the virtual meeting provided an opportunity for representatives from various ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste, to come together and discuss crucial issues related to social welfare and development. The theme of the forum underscored the importance of gender equality and social inclusion in achieving sustainable development within the ASEAN region.
Despite the geographical limitations, the virtual platform enabled fruitful discussions and knowledge-sharing among participants. The Timor-Leste delegation actively engaged in the forum, highlighting the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality and social inclusion within its borders. Timor-Leste’s representatives shared valuable insights and experiences, contributing to the overall discussions on advancing gender mainstreaming efforts and social inclusion initiatives in ASEAN.
The forum served as a platform for exchanging best practices, strategies, and innovative approaches to address the challenges and opportunities surrounding gender equality and social inclusion. Participants discussed ways to accelerate the implementation of ASEAN’s commitments in these areas, emphasizing the need for collaboration and partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders.
The virtual meeting also provided an opportunity for networking and establishing connections among participants. Timor-Leste’s delegation actively engaged with their counterparts from other ASEAN member states, fostering relationships and exploring potential avenues for future collaborations in the field of social welfare and development.
The 17th ASEAN-GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to prioritize gender equality and social inclusion in their respective countries. The insights and recommendations shared during the forum will contribute to the ongoing efforts of ASEAN member states in advancing gender mainstreaming and social inclusion agendas, aligning with the regional objectives and frameworks.
The Ministry of Social, Solidarity and Inclusion, along with its partners, remains dedicated to implementing initiatives that promote gender equality and social inclusion in Timor-Leste. The virtual participation in the 17th ASEAN-GO-NGO Forum on Social Welfare and Development reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to regional cooperation and collective action for a more inclusive and equitable society.
