Timor-Leste Engages in CPLP Labor and Social Inclusion Meeting in Lisbon
On June 18, 2025, Timor-Leste actively participated in the XVI Meeting of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) held in Lisbon, Portugal. The country was represented by Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who is also Minister Coordinator of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, alongside Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores. The meeting focused on the theme of labor dignity and youth employability, aiming to strengthen cooperation among Portuguese-speaking countries in the areas of employment, labor, and social protection.
Minister Verónica das Dores emphasized that work performed with dignity and freedom is a key factor for social cohesion, dignity, and development. She reaffirmed the Timorese government’s commitment to inclusive social policies that prioritize youth, women, people with disabilities, and those facing social exclusion. Highlighting progress in Timor-Leste’s social security system, she noted that it now includes both contributory and non-contributory schemes. Currently, 171,000 workers are registered under the contributory regime, and the system has generated annual surpluses, accumulating reserves of approximately 234 million US dollars.
The minister also expressed the government’s intention to expand social security coverage, particularly for informal workers, and to enhance the benefits provided. “We want to continue promoting decent work for all,” she stated.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the implementation of the CPLP Strategic Cooperation Plan for Labor and Social Affairs 2024-2030 (PECTAS), approved a new internal regulation, and adopted a final declaration reaffirming their commitment to eradicating child labor. The declaration also encouraged the swift ratification of the CPLP Multilateral Social Security Convention, which aims to protect workers across member states.
Minister Verónica called on her counterparts to complete the necessary procedures to implement the convention, emphasizing that this is a vital step to safeguard especially young workers within the CPLP community.
In the days preceding the ministerial session, the Timorese delegation also took part in technical meetings of CPLP focal points on combating child labor, labor inspection, and social affairs, contributing to the preparation of documents approved during the ministerial meeting.
This active engagement reflects Timor-Leste’s ongoing commitment to fostering social inclusion, decent work, and regional cooperation within the CPLP framework.