The Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores, accompanied by the Vice-Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Céu Brites, and the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Domingos Mariano Reis, took part in the ceremony of celebrating the 25th anniversary of the presence of the World Food Program (WFP) in Timor-Leste. The celebration took place on July 17^th, 2024, at the WFP’s new facilities in Dili. 

The World Food Program marked 25 years of work in Timor-Leste, during which it has evolved from emergency humanitarian assistance to promoting sustainable development, nutrition and food security initiatives.

The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, who, together with members of the Government, representatives of the diplomatic corps and development partners, officially inaugurated the WFP’s new facilities in Timor-Leste. During the event, President Ramos-Horta decorated the WFP Representative in Timor-Leste, Alba Cecilia Garzon, with the Medal of Merit, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the development of Timor-Leste, particularly in the areas of food security, nutrition and social protection.