UNCDF Strengthens Support to Decentralized Governance and Local Development in East Timor
Local Governance Programme seen an excellent example of how the UN should be working together for development
Henriette Keijzers, UNCDF Deputy Executive Secretary, signs an agreement with Ana Pessoa, East Timor Minister of State Administration, and Finn Reske-Nielsen, UNDP Resident Representative, to launch the joint programme in the country. Photo by Renato da Costa.
Dili, 22 November 2006: The establishment of a viable local government system is central to promoting good governance, and to ensuring more effective, efficient, and accountable service delivery to the population.
For this purpose, the new "Local Governance Support Programme (LGSP)" aims to provide consolidated support to the Government of Timor-Leste. UNDP and UNCDF have merged two pre-existing projects in the area of decentralization into one comprehensive, long-term support programme, to be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of State Administration. The new programme will enhance effectiveness in implementation through a joint execution and management structure.
The Minister of State Administration, Ana Pessoa, UNDP Resident Representative, Finn Reske-Nielsen, and Deputy Executive Secretary of UNCDF, Henriette Keijzers, signed the agreement to launch the joint programme today, at the Ministry of State Administration.
Dr. Ana Pessoa, Minister of State Administration, said, "This is a decisive contribution to eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development in Timor-Leste."
UNDP's Resident Representative Dr. Finn Reske-Nielsen welcomed the launch of the new programme, saying "The continuation of decentralization is important in ensuring that services are brought to the people, and that decision-making authority is given to the local government."
Henriette Keijzers, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNCDF said, "The Local Governance Support Programme is an excellent example of how the UN should be working together for development."
Over the next 5 years, the revised programme of $ 7.6 million will pilot the implementation of local government structures in 4 districts, support the Government of Timor-Leste in establishing an institutional, legal and regulatory framework for local government, as well as for local government reforms.
Previous contributions from UNDP, UNCDF and Norway will be carried over to fund the new programme. In addition, Irish Aid plans to contribute $ 1.8 million, once again demonstrating Ireland's strong commitment to promoting democratic governance in Timor-Leste.
More information on UNCDF's programmes in East Timor is available on the UNCDF Timor Leste Website.
