Government Strengthens Logistical Preparedness for Emergency Response in Timor-Leste
The Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Domingos Mariano Reis, and the Representative of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Timor-Leste, Jacqueline de Groot, held the official opening of the second Workshop on Humanitarian Logistics Preparedness on June 23th, 2025, a joint initiative with the Civil Protection Authority (CPA).
With the participation of around 100 representatives from the government, civil society, and humanitarian organizations, the workshop aims to strengthen the technical and operational capacities of CPA managers and staff to promote a more efficient and coordinated response to emergencies and natural disasters. The meeting follows up activities carried out in November and December 2024, namely the kick-off workshop and the humanitarian simulation exercise, which identified priority areas for improvement in logistics coordination in emergency contexts.
“This workshop is part of the IX Constitutional Government’s commitment to strengthening national civil protection capabilities through cooperation with our international partners,” said the Secretary of State for Civil Protection. He also stressed that “investment in the technical training of our leaders and specialized technicians is essential to ensure a swift, effective response that is adapted to the realities of Timor-Leste.”
The creation of a Technical Logistics Group in Timor-Leste was one of the central topics under discussion, with the aim of aligning coordination mechanisms with national priorities and ensuring more effective joint action in future risk situations.
APC President Jesuíno dos Reis Matos Carvalho pointed out that “Timor-Leste faces multiple risks due to its geography and climate. Strengthening logistical coordination between sectors is crucial to ensuring that emergency responses are efficient and reach the most vulnerable populations quickly.”
WFP Representative Jacqueline de Groot said that “by investing today in emergency logistics coordination, Timor-Leste is taking concrete steps to reduce the impact of disasters in the future.” She added that “this strategic cooperation represents an important milestone in building more robust systems capable of saving lives and protecting livelihoods.”
The workshop, which took place over two days in Dili, was attended by WFP experts and senior APC technicians, as well as representatives from various ministries and public bodies. The initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to build a more resilient country, prepared to face humanitarian and climate challenges.
