LAUNCH OF 2022 TIMOR-LESTE POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS

Excellency the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-leste

Minister of Finance, H.E. Sr. Rui Augusto Gomes, 

All Honourable Ministers,

Honourable Members of Parliament,

President National Institute of Statistics (INETL) Mr. Elias and staff,

Director Generals and Representatives of Line Ministries,

Representatives of Development Partners,

Members of Academia,

Members of the Press,

Representatives of UN Agencies,

All protocols observed,

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, ladies, and gentlemen,

Good morning!

I stand before you today as the United Nations Resident Coordinator, representing the entire UN System, on this momentous occasion of the launch of the 2022 Timor-Leste Population and Housing Census Report. It is a great honour for me to be here, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the Government of Timor-Leste in conducting this digital census and presenting the results that will shape the present and future of this nation.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Timor-Leste for successfully implementing the first-ever digital census, overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The dedication and hard work put into realigning the census activities in such a short span of time are truly commendable.

The census, we gather here to commemorate today, holds immense importance for Timor-Leste. It provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the population dynamics that drive our society. By collecting vital data on the population, the census allows us to delve into the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of our nation. It serves as a compass for policymakers and decision-makers, providing the most important baseline for setting priorities and allocating resources.

The significance of the census cannot be overstated. It empowers us to make informed decisions and undertake evidence-based interventions. By comprehending population dynamics through the census, we gain invaluable knowledge about population growth, migration patterns, age structures, educational attainment, and other critical factors that shape the development landscape of our nation.

Equipped with this knowledge, we can effectively plan for the present and the future. The census becomes the cornerstone upon which we build our strategies and policies, ensuring that our actions align with the needs and aspirations of our people. It guides us in targeting and tailoring policies, programs, and services to the specific requirements of our population. By understanding the distribution and characteristics of our people, we can design effective strategies to enhance education, improve healthcare, promote gender equality, alleviate poverty, and foster sustainable economic growth.

Moreover, the census serves as a powerful tool for setting priorities and allocating resources. It provides us with a comprehensive picture of the demographic composition of our society, enabling us to identify the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. It ensures that no one is left behind in our pursuit of sustainable development. By bridging gaps and addressing inequalities in access to essential services, the census fosters inclusivity and social cohesion.

As we gather here today, let us not forget the immense efforts invested in making the 2022 Timor-Leste census a success. The Government of Timor-Leste, with its exceptional commitment, funded a significant portion of the census budget, setting an example for best practices. The National Institute of Statistics, under the dedicated leadership of Mr. Elias dos Santos Ferreira, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to ensure accurate and timely data. The support extended by the United Nations and its agencies, including UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, UNDP, and WFP, further exemplifies our collective commitment to this endeavour.

Ladies and gentlemen, this launch signifies a crucial milestone, as the census results arrive at a time when we are finalizing our 2023 Voluntary National Review report, where the census information will contribute to a comprehensive analysis. The United Nations System takes immense pride in being a key partner to the Government of Timor-Leste in the implementation of the 2022 Population and Housing Census.

Therefore, as we launch the Census Report today, I urge all stakeholders to recognize and embrace the importance of its findings and recommendations. Let us utilize this wealth of data to inform our policies, interventions, and resource allocations effectively. Together, let us work tirelessly to translate the insights gained from the census into tangible improvements in the lives of the people of Timor-Leste.

The United Nations reiterates its unwavering support to the Government of Timor-Leste in its pursuit of evidence-based programming and policies for inclusive and sustainable development. Let us continue working together to achieve the continued progress and prosperity of this great nation.

Thank you all for your attention, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of the census results in shaping a brighter future for Timor-Leste.

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