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The Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel led Timor-Leste’s delegation to the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) and related meetings, held in Port Dickson from September 9 to 11. On this occasion, Timor-Leste reaffirmed its commitment to full membership of ASEAN and participated in discussions on regional cooperation, maritime security, and economic integration, alongside ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners. 

The ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting aimed to deliberate on the priorities of the Malaysian Chairmanship in preparation for the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled for October 2025. Discussions focused on deepening Community building and strengthening ASEAN’s external relations. The leaders of the ASEAN SOM and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for Political-Security Affairs were present, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Vice-Minister Milena Rangel met on September 9 with Michelle Chan, Australia’s Assistant Secretary and Senior Official for the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).    During the meeting, Australia reiterated its strong support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession process. Both sides highlighted the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and underscored their shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity.

On the same day, the Vice-Minister also held a bilateral meeting with the Permanent Secretary and Head of the Malaysian Delegation to SOM, Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin. The meeting focused on the final preparations for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN next month, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to ensuring a smooth and timely integration  Vice-Minister Milena Rangel thanked Malaysia for its consistent support, particularly in the process of aligning ASEAN legal instruments, with both delegations emphasizing the importance of maintaining close cooperation as Timor-Leste prepares to take its place as a full member state of the ASEAN Community.

On the second day of the series of meetings, the ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials’ Preparatory Meeting (APT Prep-SOM) was held, attended by representatives from APT countries and the ASEAN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Political-Security Affairs. Timor-Leste also participated as an Observer, and preparations for the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, to be held in October 2025, were discussed.

Timor-Leste continues to finalize the implementation of the commitments made in the Roadmap for Full Membership of ASEAN, whose official ceremony will take place in Malaysia on October 26, 2025. END

 

The Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), concluded the third session of the second phase of the Capacity Building Program (CBP 2.0), aimed at supporting Timor-Leste’s full accession to ASEAN. 

The training, held in Dili on September 9 and 10, brought together around 100 officials from 14 ministries and government institutions to discuss dispute resolution mechanisms, cooperation in the mining and energy sectors and digital economy. The interactive sessions were led by specialists from ASEC and Vietnam and explored practical approaches to implementing ASEAN economic agreements, including the technical and institutional requirements needed to align national policies with regional frameworks.

At the opening session, Director-General for ASEAN Affairs, Elisa da Silva emphasized Timor-Leste’s strong commitment to regional integration, stating that “as Timor-Leste moves towards ASEAN membership and deepens its participation in regional and global economic structures, the ability to understand, navigate, and apply rules-based mechanisms for dispute resolution will be essential.”

The ASEAN Secretariat also reiterated its support, with Adjunct Director of the International Economic and Trade Law Division Nadya Fanessa stating that “the ASEAN Secretariat remains committed to walking side by side with Timor-Leste as it prepares to take its place as the 11th Member State of ASEAN.”

The ADB highlighted the importance of continued technical assistance, with ADB Country Director for Timor-Leste, Stefania Dina adding that “the ADB remains fully committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s regional integration beyond accession. We will continue to provide technical assistance through the Multilateral and Regional Economic Integration Capacity Building project and will strengthen our efforts under the newly approved regional initiative in support of the ASEAN Post-2025 Agenda.”

This was the third in a series of CBP 2.0 activities designed to strengthen Timor-Leste’s institutional capacity and prepare the country for accession. The first session, held on March 11, addressed the main economic frameworks of ASEAN and the Priority One Agreements, while the second, held from May 6 to 8, focused on the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), rules of origin, customs valuation, and land and air transport agreements.

Launched in 2023, the Capacity Building Program responds to the recommendations of the ASEAN Economic Community Assessment Mission to Timor-Leste in 2022 and seeks to address knowledge and process gaps, ensuring that government officials are prepared to implement ASEAN economic commitments. The program is implemented under the ADB Technical Assistance project “Capacity Building for Multilateral and Regional Economic Integration” and is part of Timor-Leste’s broader strategy for regional economic integration and strengthening institutional preparedness.

Timor-Leste thus reaffirms its firm commitment to the ASEAN accession process and will continue to work closely with the ASEAN Secretariat and its Member States, as well as with the ADB and other development partners, on its journey towards full regional integration. END

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Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Press Release

Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 12th September 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace, in Dili and approved fifteen draft National Parliament Resolution Proposals, presented by the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, in the context of fulfilling the commitments made in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for the approval of the country’s accession to the following instruments:

1. Protocol to the ASEAN Charter on Dispute Settlement Mechanisms. This Protocol, adopted in Hanoi in 2010, establishes formal procedures for the peaceful settlement of disputes between ASEAN Member States concerning the interpretation or application of the organization’s Charter and other legal instruments. Timor-Leste’s accession to this Protocol and its complementary instruments will enable it to participate fully in regional dispute settlement mechanisms, ensuring equal treatment and access to the institutional means available to Member States. With this decision, Timor-Leste reaffirms its legal and political commitment to the principles of the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes, thereby consolidating its political and legal integration into the ASEAN community.
2. ASEAN Agreement on Privileges and Immunities. This Agreement recognizes the legal status of ASEAN as an intergovernmental organization and defines the privileges and immunities necessary for the functioning of its organs, the Secretary-General, Secretariat staff, Permanent Representatives and officials on mission in the territories of Member States. Timor-Leste’s accession to this instrument will enable the country to participate on an equal footing in ASEAN structures and activities, ensuring conditions for hosting the organization’s meetings, missions and projects. With this decision, Timor-Leste reinforces its commitment to international law, creates appropriate legal conditions for regional cooperation and consolidates its full integration into ASEAN.
3. Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Secretariat and its Amending Protocols. The ASEAN Secretariat, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the organization’s main administrative body, responsible for coordinating and implementing the decisions of its organs, managing regional programs and promoting cohesion among Member-States. The Agreement and its Amending Protocols define the structure, functioning and powers of this body, constituting fundamental legal instruments for its regular and effective functioning. Timor-Leste’s accession to this instrument ensures its full integration into the institutional architecture of ASEAN and allows the country to participate actively in the organization’s administrative and decision-making processes. With this decision, Timor-Leste formally recognizes the central role of the Secretariat and strengthens its capacity to contribute to the coordination and implementation of regional policies.
4. Agreement on the Establishment of the ASEAN Development Fund (ADF) and its Protocol. This legal instrument establishes the legal and institutional basis necessary for the mobilization, management and application of resources intended to finance regional cooperation programs and projects. Timor-Leste’s accession to this mechanism ensures its eligibility to benefit from ASEAN funding and participate in the planning, evaluation and implementation of programs financed by these Funds. With this decision, Timor-Leste commits to contributing to the common fund, with an initial contribution of one million US dollars.
5. Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. This Treaty, adopted in Kuala Lumpur in 2004, is a regional legal instrument for criminal cooperation among ASEAN Member States. The Treaty establishes formal mechanisms for mutual assistance in investigation, inquiry, collection and sharing of evidence, prosecution and other forms of legal assistance in criminal cases. Timor-Leste’s accession to this instrument will strengthen international cooperation in the prevention and suppression of transnational organized crime, promoting the effectiveness of criminal justice, information sharing and the execution of requests for legal assistance between ASEAN Member States. With this decision, Timor-Leste aligns itself with the commitments made in the Roadmap for ASEAN Accession and strengthens its criminal justice system, contributing to the effective prevention and suppression of crimes such as money laundering, corruption, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
6. ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism. This Convention, adopted in Cebu, Philippines, in 2007, establishes a binding legal framework to strengthen regional cooperation in the prevention, investigation and suppression of terrorism in all its forms, in accordance with the principles of international law, including respect for human rights and humanitarian law. Timor-Leste’s accession to this instrument will enable it to align its national legislation and policies with regional commitments, ensuring its participation in ASEAN’s coordination and collective response mechanisms. With this decision, Timor-Leste strengthens its integration into the regional security architecture and demonstrates its commitment to peace, stability and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
7. ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. This Convention, adopted in Kuala Lumpur in 2015, is a fundamental regional legal instrument in the fight against human trafficking, with an emphasis on the protection of women and children. The Convention establishes mechanisms for cooperation among ASEAN Member States to strengthen the prevention, investigation and prosecution of this crime, as well as to ensure support and assistance to victims. Timor-Leste’s accession will enable it to align its national legislative framework with regional and international commitments, strengthen the institutions responsible for justice and social protection, and consolidate regional cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime.
8. ASEAN Agreement on Customs. This Agreement, adopted in Phnom Penh in 2012, establishes a binding legal framework for harmonization, modernization and regional cooperation in customs matters among ASEAN Member States. Its objectives are to facilitate intraregional trade, promote administrative modernization and ensure greater transparency, efficiency and security in customs procedures.
9. Agreement and Protocols on the ASEAN Single Window. This set of legal instruments, adopted between 2005 and 2015, constitutes the binding regime for the creation and operation of National Single Windows, interconnected through the ASEAN Single Window. The system enables the electronic processing of commercial, customs and logistics documents, promoting transparency and efficiency in border procedures.
10. Amendment on the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) Protocols. These instruments, adopted between 2003 and 2010, establish the common nomenclature for the tariff classification of goods in the region, based on the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System. The AHTN is essential for the implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).
11. ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods Transit (AFAFGIT) and its nine Protocols. This Agreement, concluded in 1998, establishes a harmonized legal regime for the international transit of goods by land between ASEAN Member States, including rules on transit permits, border posts, technical requirements for vehicles, compulsory insurance, sanitary measures and the transport of dangerous goods.
12. ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalization of Passenger Air Services (MAFLPAS) and its four Protocols. This Agreement, signed in 2010, is one of the pillars of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM) and establishes a binding legal framework for the full liberalization of scheduled passenger air services between Member States. Its Protocols allow codeshare and co-terminalization operations on international routes. The ASEAN Single Aviation Market aims to promote an integrated, safe, competitive and liberalized airspace among ASEAN Member States.
13. ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalization of Air Freight Services (MAFLAFS) and its two Protocols. This Agreement, signed in 2009, regulates the provision of air freight services between ASEAN Member States, guaranteeing reciprocal traffic rights without restrictions on capacity, frequency or type of aircraft. The Agreement also provides for the exemption of customs duties and charges on aeronautical materials and equipment, the possibility of operations with leased aircraft, as well as measures to ensure fair competition and operational safety.
14. ASEAN Energy Cooperation Agreement and its two Protocols of Amendment (1995 and 1997). This Agreement, initially signed in Manila in 1986 and amended in 1995 and 1997, establishes a binding legal framework for regional cooperation on energy matters, covering research, exploration and development of energy resources, energy efficiency and conservation, safety and emergency plans, technical training and investment promotion. The Protocols expanded the areas of cooperation and adapted the institutional structure of ASEAN.
15. Agreement and Amending Protocol for the Establishment of the ASEAN Animal Health Trust Fund. This financial mechanism aims to provide financial support for regional initiatives in the field of animal health, contributing to the prevention, control and eradication of transboundary diseases, as well as to the strengthening of Member States’ institutional capacities in this area. The Protocol introduces improvements in the governance and management of the Fund, enhancing its transparency and responsiveness to emerging needs in the region, in line with the principles of good governance and regional solidarity.

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The Council of Ministers approved the Government’s draft resolution, presented by the Minister of Defense, Donaciano do Rosário Gomes, on the joint operational commitment between Falintil-Defense Forces of Timor-Leste and the National Police of Timor-Leste, aimed at maintaining public order during visits to Timor-Leste by various dignitaries and members of Governments of friendly countries, as well as in the context of major national events, such as Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, the official ceremonies for the inauguration of the new President of Timor-Leste, the inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Portugal, the inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Angola, the inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Mozambique, the inauguration of , as well as in the context of major national events, such as Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, the official ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, and the Christmas and New Year festivities.

A The Government Resolution establishes patrol and surveillance operations in sensitive locations in all municipalities, preventing acts of social instability. The Task Force will be coordinated by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Commander-General of the PNTL, with support from various government and institutional entities.

 The resolution also provides for specific measures, such as the definition of chains of command, rules of engagement and intelligence support, as well as the proportionate use of force in accordance with current legislation. The Task Force will operate from September 14^th, 2025, to January 6^th, 2026.

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Finally, the Council of Ministers expresses its solidarity with the people, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the authorities of the province of Bali in facing the devastating effects of the floods that have hit the island in recent days. Heavy rain caused rivers to overflow and landslides, resulting in at least 14 deaths, several people missing and hundreds displaced. The phenomena also caused significant destruction to homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure, as well as damage to local economic activities, including areas of tourist importance. In this context, a draft Government Resolution, presented by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, was approved, authorizing a donation of two and a half million US dollars to the province of Bali to support humanitarian assistance efforts and the recovery of the affected populations. END

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Dili, 10 September 2025 – The Government of Timor-Leste has officially launched an online public consultation for the Blue Economy: Policy and Action Plan for the Promotion of a Resilient and Sustainable Economy of the Sea in Timor-Leste 2025–2035.

The public consultation will run from 11 to 30 September 2025 and marks a key milestone in advancing Timor-Leste’s sustainable development and economic diversification agenda.

The policy, approved in principle by the Council of Ministers in June 2025, outlines Timor-Leste’s vision for a modern, environmentally responsible and people-centred approach to sustainable development. The Policy and Action Plan aims to serve as a roadmap for the integrated and inclusive growth of the country’s coastal, marine and maritime sectors.

The draft document for consultation places the ocean at the heart of the country’s national development strategy. Timor-Leste affirms the ocean’s role as both a cornerstone of the nation’s identity and a vital source of economic, social, cultural and environmental value.

In Timor-Leste, the Blue Economy is defined as a set of integrated policies and actions that promote economic and social development through the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, grounded in sound environmental practices. This approach emphasises diversification, inclusivity and long-term ecological balance.

The document is structured into three main parts. Part I includes the Introduction and General Framework; Part II includes the Strategic Policy Framework; and Part III is the Action Plan for the implementation of the Blue Economy in Timor-Leste over the next decade, from 2025 to 2035.

In line with the IX Constitutional Government’s commitment to transparency, inclusion and participatory governance, a second phase of national consultations involving the Presidents of the Municipal Authorities, Administrators of Administrative Posts and Heads of Villages, will take place in October 2025 in Dili, followed by in-person, community-based engagements and awareness raising of the policy across the country in 2026. This phase will be led by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, who heads the development of Timor-Leste’s Blue Economy.

The Government encourages all stakeholders, including civil society, non-governmental organisations, academia, community groups, the private sector, development partners and interested individuals to actively engage in this process by sharing feedback that will contribute to the finalisation of the policy and guide its future implementation. Broad participation is vital to ensure that the Blue Economy Policy and Action Plan for Timor-Leste reflect the shared aspirations, knowledge and needs of the Timorese people.

To access a copy of the Draft Blue Economy Policy and Action Plan, as well as the Feedback Form, please scan the QR Code below: 

 

- ENDS -

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Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste

Ninth Constitutional Government

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers on 10th September 2025

The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, which aims to establish the legal framework for the management and use of public and private real estate owned by the State.

The law clearly defines the distinction between public and private state property, setting out rules for its use, administration, and possible disposal. It introduces mechanisms that enhance transparency, competition, and good governance, ensuring that these assets, which belong to all citizens, are managed more efficiently. Key measures include the creation of updated inventories, the requirement for compensation for private use, and the subjection of property sales to prior government authorization, to prevent practices that could harm the public interest and ensure rigorous and sustainable management of state assets.

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Two draft decree-laws presented by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, were also approved for:

1. First amendment to Decree-Law No. 84/2023 of November 23^rd, and sixth amendment to Decree-Law No. 3/2016 of March 16^th, on the Statute of Municipal Authorities and the Interministerial Technical Group for Administrative Decentralization. The law introduces adjustments to the legal regime in force, namely, clarify the regulation and delegation of powers, give greater flexibility to the exercise of management functions in situations of substitution, review the list of municipal services, and to ensure greater stability and rationality in the functioning of the Technical Support Offices. At the same time, several outdated provisions of Articles 7 to 18 of the Statute of Municipal Authorities are being repealed, as well as provisions of Decree-Law No. 84/2023, with the aim of containing the increase in expenditure related to the implementation of the decentralization process.
2. First amendment to Decree-Law No. 3/2017, of March 22^nd, which approved the Limited Duration Parking Zone Regime. The purpose of this regulatory amendment is to clarify the territorial scope of application of the law, strengthen the role of Municipal Authorities, the Administrative Authority of Ataúro, and the Special Administrative Region of Oe -Cusse Ambeno in the management and supervision of limited duration parking zones, as well as to establish more flexible parameters regarding the amounts and periods of parking fee collection.

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The draft Decree-Law presented by the Minister of Health, Elia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, was also approved. It aims to establish the Extraordinary Promotion Regime for Staff Integrated into Health Professionals’ Careers in Public Administration.

The diploma aims to strengthen the motivation and appreciation of these professionals’ careers, while also contributing to the improved functioning of public health services by addressing the lack of regular promotion processes in the sector.

This extraordinary promotion scheme covers doctors, nurses, midwives, and diagnostic, therapeutic, and public health technicians, allowing them to progress to the next higher category through a points system. The classification results from the sum of points awarded for objective criteria, such as length of service, performance evaluation, service in remote areas, training, attendance, and good behavior.

The diploma also provides for the creation of an automatic promotion route based on professional recognition for nurses in the Basic Nurse category, who will move to the Junior General Nurse B category after completing specific training, to be approved by order of the member of the Government responsible for health.

The number of vacancies to be filled will be determined by Government Resolution, based on a proposal from the Civil Service Commission.

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The Council of Ministers decided to authorize the purchase and transport of fireworks for the official celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Proclamation of National Independence, which will be celebrated on November 28th.

The decision allows the Organizing Committee for the Celebrations to purchase pyrotechnical materials, contract their transport to Timor-Leste, and stage the shows, which will be held at all Administrative Posts throughout the country. The total amount authorized for these expenses is approximately US$279,000.

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Lastly, the Council of Ministers decided to authorize the Minister of Finance to grant exemption from taxes, fees, customs duties, and other charges in connection with the construction of the Canossian Girls’ Dormitory and a Chapel in Dili, a project financed entirely by the Emirates Agency for International Aid of the United Arab Emirates. It was also decided to guarantee, on behalf of the Canossian Sisters, the payment of tax and customs charges related to the construction of the aforementioned shelter. END

9 am, Government Palace

The Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, launched the D4 drainage project on September 8^th, 2025, aimed at mitigating recurrent flooding in the capital through an intervention extending from the Caicoli area, next to the Police Headquarters and the PCIC building, to the edge of the Port of Dili  The project the construction and rehabilitation of four-meter-wide channels along the route to the coast, in order  large volumes of water to be channeled directly into the sea. 

In the ceremony, the Head of Government recalled that, “for many years, during the rainy season, accumulated water overflowed, blocked roads, and entered homes in several communities. “For this reason, he stressed, “the drainage project now launched will allow large volumes of water to be accumulated and drained.”

Xanana Gusmão said he was confident that, once completed, the project would substantially reduce the risk of flooding affecting the communities of Caicoli and called on the company responsible to ensure rigor and quality in its execution, stressing that “the funds used belong to the people.”

The Minister of Public Works pointed out that flooding in Dili is a recurring problem and that the current capacity of the canals, particularly in the area of the traffic near the Police monument, “is insufficient for the volumes of water that occur during heavy rains. He recalled previous studies carried out with Portuguese consultans, who had already identified the need to review the drainage plan and create infrastructure capable of collecting and conveying water from Caicoli, Vila Verde, and Audian to the sea.   “If we change the design of the drainage channels and install filters to retain solid waste and plastics that block the flow, we can significantly reduce the risk of flooding in Caicoli, Vilaverde, and Audian. We may not eliminate 100% of the problem, but we will be able to solve about 99% of the situations.” He affirmed.

The official also explained that the width of several existing channels is around 70 centimetres, which makes it impossible to absorb high flows, adding that technical teams have identified critical points and regularly cleaned them to restore normal drainage.

The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Executive Committee of Bee Timor-Leste, E.P. (BTL, E.P), Gustavo da Cruz, the Director of the Engineering and Infrastructure Department of BTL, E.P., and other institutional representatives. END 

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The Ministry of Education, in partnership with municipal authorities, community leaders, teachers, parents, and development partners, held the 2nd National Conference on Preschool Education, under the theme “Investing in Preschool Education Today for a Brighter Tomorrow.” The event, which featured an opening speech by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, took place on September 4^th to 5^th, 2025, with the aim of sharing experiences and consolidating public policies that promote early childhood education as an essential foundation for the development of the national education system.

In his speech, the President of the Republic emphasized that by the age of five, “90 percent of brain architecture is already established, making this period the most critical phase for learning and development.” Therefore, he added, Early Childhood Education is “the foundation on which all future learning, well-being, and success are built.” 

“Early childhood education is not just a matter of educational policy, it is a fundamental strategy for promoting equity, fostering inclusive growth, and driving sustainable development. (…) It is not just a powerful investment; it is the most transformative one a nation can make in its own future. (…) Solid learning from an early age is crucial because it enables lifelong learning, adaptability, and future success,” said the Head of State.

The President also made a special appeal to families and local communities, emphasizing that “you are the first teachers, the first caregivers, and the first advocates for our children.” “This is not just an investment in our children—it is an investment in the future prosperity and stability of our nation. Together, through strong partnerships—both domestic and international—we can build a future where every child in Timor-Leste has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive from the earliest years of life.”

The Minister of Education, Dulce de Jesus Soares, highlighted the importance of strengthening national policy on early childhood education, stating that “preschool begins at ages of 3 to 5, so that children have early preparation in literacy and mathematics, in order to enter primary school with a more solid foundation.” The minister also highlighted the progress made since the first conference, including the development of the National Curriculum for Preschool Education, the definition of a Framework of Competencies for Teachers, and the decentralization of programs to municipalities to allow for local adaptation and implementation. Municipalities have developed plans and strategies that respond to local needs and coordination mechanisms, such as ACETL and municipal commissions, to support the provision and monitoring of preschool education services.

The 2nd National Conference on Preschool Education was also attended by international speakers from CPLP and ASEAN countries, development partners, municipal authority presidents, head of the villages, municipal education service directors, preschool teachers, and parents. END