Prime Minister launches Partnership for Human Development Programme
The Prime Minister, Rui Maria de Araújo, launched the Partnership for Human Development Programme with the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Peter Doyle, on March 8th, 2017 at the Timor Plaza in Dili.
The Partnership for Human Development is an integrated programme of Australia and Timor-Leste Governments, which will be carried out by both countries over 10 years, i.e. until 2026.
The Head of Government thanked Australia for this partnership, which shares our aim of establishing and maintaining a healthy, educated and prosperous population. “We believe in the potential of our people, and particularly our young people. Nearly two thirds of our population is under twenty-five years old. We are harnessing the potential of our young people to propel our country forward. We have countless young people with extraordinary talents and energy that will strengthen our journey towards sustainable development and sustainable economic growth”, said the Prime Minister.
Rui Maria de Araújo wants all Timorese, women, men, young people and people with disabilities to benefit and have the opportunity to build better lives for themselves and to develop the nation.
The Chief of the Executive also recalled that in these last two years the Sixth Constitutional Government expressed its commitment to meet the country’s immediate needs, namely in the social sector, building on the programme of the Fifth Constitutional Government. 
The Ambassador of Australia stressed that his country has a commitment to support Timor-Leste in its determination to invest in people. Peter Doyle said that the development partnership, which has already been carried out, shows that there is cooperation between the two countries, and that they are working together to address the human development needs in Timor-Leste.
The Partnership for Human Development supports integrated programmes in the areas of health, gender equality, sanitation, water, social protection, disability and nutrition.
The Prime Minister congratulated and thanked the Government and the people of Australia for their ongoing engagement in support of Timor-Leste's development.
Following the launch of the program, the Chief of the Executive visited an exhibition on Timor-Leste and Australia's development cooperation, accompanied by the Australian Ambassador, the Vice Minister of Education, the Vice Minister of Health and other guests.
