UNDP partners with Timor-Leste university to advance human development

The United Nations agency tasked with providing countries with the knowledge, experience and resources that aid growth has announced the opening of a think-tank in Timor-Leste linking academics and policy makers to better promote development in the fledgling nation.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) teamed up yesterday with the leading public university in the South-East Asian nation, Universidade Nacional Timor-Loro Sa’e (UNTL), to launch the Human Development Centre (HDC).

The Centre will organize training sessions on human development concepts and measurements, enabling young Timorese, especially university students and faculty to develop their knowledge and skills in the area of human development.

Relations between UNDP and UNTL were cemented in 2007 following the signing of an historic internship agreement that facilitated UNTL students to serve with UNDP, gaining practical experience through direct exposure to the work of the agency in promoting international sustainable development.

The event was witnessed by Minister of Economy and Development, João Gonçalves and the Minister of Education, Joao Cancio Freitas, as well as UNDP Country Director Akbar Usmani.