Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion represents Timor-Leste at the Porto Social Forum 2025
The Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, participated in the Porto 2025 Social Forum, which took place on September 18th and 19th in the city of Porto. The forum was attended by more than 200 international participants, including political leaders, social partners and representatives of civil society, under the theme ‘Quality Jobs in a Competitive Social Europe’. This high-level meeting, organized by the Portuguese Government with the support of the European Commission, aimed to promote discussion on the creation of quality, well-paid jobs, with a balance between work and family life, good working conditions and adequate social protection. 
On the first day, the debates mainly involved European social partners, while the second day was devoted to dialogue between policy makers. The Forum was attended by representatives of the Member States of the European Union, candidate countries, countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), States of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), high-level representatives of European institutions, social partners, civil society organizations and international entities, including the International Labor Organization.
The Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, participated in the Porto Social Forum 2025, considered an important international platform for political and social debate and sustainable development. On this occasion, Timor-Leste was present as an active member of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), reinforcing its commitment to solidarity within the framework of the Forum's Social Action Plan, particularly regarding the promotion of universal rights and values to ensure freedom and social justice.
During the high-level session, Minister Verónica das Dores stated that Timor-Leste's participation as a member country of the CPLP represents an opportunity to contribute to the international community's efforts to promote quality employment, strengthen social rights and inclusion. The Minister emphasized that ensuring the well-being of people requires fair political integration, recalling that many workers continue to face situations of injustice. She therefore advocated social mobility as a fundamental tool for socio-economic progress, in accordance with the principles of equality, justice and sustainable development.
Among the participants in the Forum, stands out the presence of the President of the European Council, António Costa, the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Roxana Mînzatu, as well as ministers from 23 countries and representatives of international organizations. .
On the sidelines of the event, Minister Verónica das Dores met with Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security of Portugal, Rosário Palma Ramalho, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Social Security, Filipa Lima. The meeting allowed for the deepening of cooperation ties between the two ministries, with a focus on combating poverty and strengthening the capacities of social security institutions and facilities. END
