RC's Speech on 2nd Project Steering Committee Meeting – GCF-funded EWS Project for Timor-Leste

H. E. Mr. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinating for Economic Affairs and Minister for Tourism and Environment, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (TBC),

H.E. Mr. Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, Minister of Transport and Communications Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (TBC),

H.E. Mr. Mariano Reis, Secretary of the State for Civil Protection, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (TBC),

Mr. Ismael da Costa Babo, President of Civil Protection Authority, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste,

Representatives of INGOs, NGOs, media, and civil society,

Dear UN Colleageues,

Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bom dia and good morning,

I am really pleased to be here today at the 2nd Project Steering Committee meeting of the UNEP GCF project on "Enhancing Early Warning System" in Timor-Leste.

The United Nations in Timor-Leste is committed to supporting the Government of Timor-Leste and collaborating with our partners in enhancing preparedness, risk management, and overall resilience to hydro-meteorological hazards and accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This project demonstrates our unified approach, bringing together UN agencies, technical institutions, and national service providers to integrate early warnings from global, to national, and to community levels in Timor-Leste.

Colleagues,

As global temperatures rise and climate change intensifies, it is crucial to scale up and strengthen early warning systems. The recent flash floods and landslides in July 2023 severely damaged infrastructure in Lautem, Ainaro, Covalima, and Manufai, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, including four children. Better preparation and timely information can significantly reduce the impact of such disasters.

Over the past year and a half, this project has gained great momentum. The UNEP Project Management Unit is coordinating with the government and technical partners, and a National Framework for Climate Services has been drafted through stakeholder consultations. DNMG staff have enhanced their capacity through training events. I am excited to witness the results of this project as we move forward with implementation.

In the coming days, we will further invest in strengthening meteorological infrastructure and capacity building for climate and weather observations in Timor-Leste. By improving the accuracy of climate and weather information, we aim to establish decision support systems for key sectors such as Agriculture, Health, Water, and Disaster Risk Reduction.

With this, ladies and gentlemen, I do look forward to continuing our successful partnership with the Government, all of you, and the people of Timor-Leste.

Together, we will ensure a safer and more resilient Timor-Leste.

Let us work towards a future where the people of this beautiful nation can thrive, equipped with the knowledge, tools, and systems to face the challenges of climate change.

Thank you.