MoU Signing Ceremony for Partnership on Students Empowerment for Sustainable Development between UNDP and National University of Timor Lorosae

The speech by Mr. Knut Ostby, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony at the Universidade Nacional de Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) strengthened the involvement in sustainable development.

UNDP's 2015-2019 plan called Country Programme Document (CPD) is in line with Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan 2011- 2030 focusing on the areas of resilience building, sustainable development, and inclusive and effective democratic governance. Among the several projects to help strengthen youth productivity and engagement in innovation, there is the promotion with the Secretary of State for Energy of improved cookstoves to reduce the use of firewood for cooking. This provides jobs for youth who engage in production of these environmental-friendly cook stoves.

With the signing of this MoU, UNDP is proud to formalize its work with UNTL to expand skills development opportunities for youth in Timor-Leste. UNDP's cooperation will support UNTL’s work-study programme through provision of knowledge products and skills development opportunities, such as volunteerism and internship. The cooperation will provide opportunities for students to gain working skills and ethics that they will need for employment and entrepreneurship.