On July 4th, 2026, the Government marked the National Day for People with Disabilities with a ceremony held in the municipality of Aileu. The initiative, organised by the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), brought together representatives from thirteen ministries, organisations representing people with disabilities, national and international partners, and various public entities to reaffirm the Executive’s commitment to promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores; the Minister of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento; the Vice Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Céu Brites; the President of the Aileu Municipal Authority, João Bosco dos Santos; and the President of the National Institute of Statistics of Timor-Leste (INETL), Elias dos Santos Ferreira, among other officials.

In her address, the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion congratulated people with disabilities across the country, particularly those in the municipality of Aileu, highlighting their contribution to national development and pointing out the support provided by the MSSI through the Self-Sustaining Business Subprogramme for People with Disabilities, part of the One-Off Support Programme.

The Minister also stated that the 9th Constitutional Government views people with disabilities as active participants in national building and progress, acknowledging their contribution from the struggle for independence to the present day, and reiterating the Government’s commitment to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their physical or mental condition.

On the same occasion, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture commended the work carried out by the Minister and the Vice Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion in implementing inclusive programmes for people with disabilities. The President of the Aileu Municipal Authority also expressed his gratitude for the choice of the municipality to host this year’s celebrations.

As part of the celebrations, a Cooperation Agreement was also signed between the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and the Institute for Business Development Support (IADE), aimed at providing training in entrepreneurship and business management to people with disabilities supported by the MSSI’s Self-Sustaining Business Programme.

Under the agreement, IADE will conduct training activities aimed at strengthening participants’ business management skills, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the businesses supported by the programme. Funding for this initiative is provided by the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion.

The celebration of the National Day for People with Disabilities and the signing of this agreement form part of the Government’s initiatives to promote social inclusion, economic autonomy, and the full participation of people with disabilities in the development of Timor-Leste.