Celebrating 25 years of transformation: from humanitarian assistance to sustainable development in Timor-Leste

WFP began its programmes in Timor-Leste in 1999, providing emergency food assistance to internally displaced persons during the crisis following the referendum for independence from Indonesia. This lifesaving effort continued through 2003, stabilizing communities during natural disasters like the 2016 El Niño crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and major floods in 2021.

Adapting to Timor-Leste's evolving needs, WFP has shifted focus from providing emergency assistance to fostering sustainable development. By 2004, WFP had shifted its focus to school feeding, mother and child health, and emergency preparedness and response. Between 2008 and 2013, WFP led the National School Feeding Programme at the request of the Timorese government, ensuring vulnerable children receive nutritious meals and encouraging school attendance and retention.

Since 2014, WFP’s Country Support Programme has expanded to include development programmes in partnership with the Ministry of Education,  ensuring nutritious meals for children and fostering a prosperous future.

“We have reached a stage of political stability that necessitates a shift from food aid to locally owned and sustainable hunger solutions. WFP’s strategic support to the government includes developing strategies and programmes to improve food security in the country,” said José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

Simultaneously, WFP provided logistic support and capacity development for the Government of Timor-Leste, transitioning from in-kind food assistance to capacity development and technical support in areas like supply chain management, aiming to build a resilient and nutritionally secure future.

 “By investing in the next generation, we are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future. WFP’s "Changing Lives" initiatives have supported health and nutrition, local food systems, and strengthened supply chains. WFP works with the Timorese government to reduce malnutrition and stunting by investing in home-grown school feeding programs linked to agriculture and commercial sectors, promoting economic resilience amid climate change challenges,” stated Cecilia Garzon, WFP Representative in Timor-Leste.

Recently, in collaboration with the Government of Timor-Leste, WFP has established robust social protection systems to build resilience among vulnerable populations. A pilot project with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI) offers cash transfers and nutritional support during the first 1000 days of life, targeting pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children under two.

“This 25th anniversary is a commemoration of the past and a celebration of our collective future. WFP’s achievements would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of local communities, the Timorese Government, and our dedicated donors and partners. We look forward to a future filled with many more successes,” added Garzon.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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