Prime Minister Presides the Launch of Capacity Building Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Response
The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, presided over the launch of the High-Risk Equipment Training, Certification and Licensing Program, at a ceremony held in Dili on October 24th, 2024. This initiative, promoted by the Instituto de Gestão de Equipamentos e Apoio ao Desenvolvimento de Infraestruturas, Instituto Público (IGEADI, I.P), in partnership with Licensing.tl, the Instituto de Segurança e Apoio Técnico (ISAT) and IS Australia, aims to train and certify heavy equipment operators in accordance with international norms and global industry standards. 
The Prime Minister highlighted the relevance of this program for the country's development, praising the commitment of the institutions involved: “We are on the road to development. Although we can't do everything at once, this initiative responds to important needs for our future. “Congratulations to the Ministry of Public Works, IGEADI and Licensing.tl” and also ‘to the Timor-Leste Defense Forces (F-FDTL) for also getting involved in this program,’ he said.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also underlined the role of the F-FDTL in supporting the population, stressing that the armed forces are not only there for defense, but also to contribute to times of need. “This program trains our military to support the Timorese people in emergency situations. In the event of floods, for example, it is essential that they are prepared to act, with the appropriate equipment and the necessary knowledge,” he added. 
The President of IGEADI's Board of Directors, Ana Paula da Cruz, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, projecting the positive impact it will bring to the country. “We hope that this launch will mark the beginning of a transformation that will contribute to the sustainable social and economic development of Timor-Leste. I believe this program will bring significant benefits to our country's infrastructure sector,” she said.
The programme, structured in three main stages - training, certification and licensing - not only trains heavy equipment operators but also strengthens the Timorese labour market by ensuring that workers acquire globally recognized certifications. “With this program, we are promoting a trained workforce in line with international industry requirements,” added Ana Paula da Cruz.
Licensing.tl, in collaboration with ISAT and IS Australia, brings to this project a consolidated experience in technical training and certification, accumulated over years in Timor-Leste and Australia, specializing in sectors such as construction and energy resources - oil, gas and minerals. Licensing.tl has been present in Timor-Leste since 2010, operating a local base to support its activities. Present in Timor-Leste since 2010, Licensing.tl has a local base of operations in the country. 
During the event, IGEADI officials and members of the F-FDTL gave a practical demonstration of the operation of heavy equipment.
The launch was attended by various entities, including the Chief of Staff of the F-FDTL, Lieutenant General Falur Rate Laek, the Japanese Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Tetsuya Kimura, as well as members of the Government, development partners and the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL).
