Opinion Piece by Ms. Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Country Representative

In June 2024, I left North Macedonia, where I had served as UNICEF Country Representative for five years, and stepped into my new role as UNICEF Country Representative for Timor-Leste. 

Moving to this position was not a leap into the unknown for me, as I had spent months ahead of my move, reading on the country’s history, devouring every film clip on YouTube and scrolling through every social media post I could find.  I learnt of the remarkable culture and admirable resilience of the Timorese people and looked forward to experiencing it firsthand.

I knew, even before I arrived, that there was huge commitment to children’s rights from the highest level of Government to the family level.  I was also aware that since signing the CRC in 2003, progressive policies, laws and services had been put in place to ensure that every child has the chance to survive and grow.  

I was also aware that the country faces unique challenges in ensuring every child not only survives but thrives. High rates of malnutrition, persistent issues in access to quality education, high rates of violence against children, and limited access to water and sanitation services, were some of the issues which I understood would be priorities for me during the four years in which I would be the country.

Despite the knowledge I gained from reading nothing quite prepared me for the warmth, humility, generosity and welcoming nature of Timorese across the board, which I am grateful has helped to ease me into this role.

One of the first meetings I had, was with His Excellency, President Jose Ramos Horta, another with His Excellency José Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmão, the Prime Minister.  Both leaders injected into my first meetings with them their bold optimism of the Timorese people which has spurred me on in my duties over the last 12months and provided direction, ambition and inspiration. 

My major takeaways from these introductory meetings were that sustained investment, political will, and a collective commitment to equity and justice for every child, can be the instruments to the overall human capital development of the nation. 

I am therefore glad that over the last year, I have attended meetings, workshops and undertook field missions, where there has been an incredible dedication and unwavering commitment from Government ministries, civil society organizations, community leaders, and, most importantly, parents and caregivers, all striving to build a better future for their children.

I have also had firsthand experience of witnessing the impact of programs that reach the most remote communities, the dedication of local partners, and the quiet courage of families striving for a better future. 

Most inspiring for me, has been witnessing the tangible very real action on the ground which is improving children’s lives. We hear a lot about all the work that needs to be done, but rarely do we capture the road currently being travelled, the incremental improvements to children’s lives being achieved and the upwards trajectory we are on. 

Yes, there is still a lot to be done, and a lot to be achieved. But I have experienced a vibrancy among the communities, the leadership, the young people which are moving the country into a brighter future. 

Today I take this moment of my one-year anniversary to highlight that I am here not just to work, but to listen, to learn, and to stand alongside the people of Timor-Leste and to reflect on the direction for UNICEF over the next few years. 

We (UNICEF) need to support the country, its leaders and its people in the coming decentralization, which will bring services and actions closer to families and children to provide a more direct link to development. 

Additionally, I am increasingly convinced that young people are the key to the country’s continued development. Providing spaces for their leadership, representation and engagement are a further investment we need to take seriously.

I am proud of the work UNICEF is engaging in the area of climate change, as the country remains disproportionately affected by this global phenomenon.  

Of course, as UNICEF, we need to continue to focus on the areas that we have expertise and experience in, this includes upholding children’s rights, ensuring survival, health and nutrition, thriving through quality education and protection and through ensuing social protection services leave no one behind.

The smiles of the children I have met, their boundless energy and their aspirations, are a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of why I came to Timor Leste. Travelling to remote areas in the country has shown me not just the beauty of the countryside but the universal nature of the people of this country. 

I am indebted to the amazing team of colleagues from the UNICEF Timor-Leste Country Office, for walking this journey with me and for patiently helping me to navigate the cultural nuances and teaching me the basics of the Tetum language.  Obrigada Barak. Hotu ona for now. 😊