UNDP and European Union Launch “Dalan ba Digital” - A New Path for Digital Citizenship in Timor-Leste

Empowering Citizens Through Digital Transformation: UNDP and the European Union Partner with the Government of Timor-Leste to Build a More Connected, Transparent, and Inclusive Nation.

October 29, 2025

The European Union and UNDP Timor-Leste, in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste, officially launched “Dalan ba Digital – A New Path for Digital Citizenship” in Dili. The initiative marks a new milestone toward building a more connected, transparent, and inclusive nation through digital transformation.

Dili, 23 October 2025: Timor-Leste has taken a major step toward a more connected, transparent, and inclusive future with the official launch of “Dalan ba Digital: A New Path for Digital Citizenship in Timor-Leste.” The new €3 million initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Timor-Leste in close partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste, marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward digital transformation.

Official launching of the “Dalan ba Digital – A New Path for Digital Citizenship” initiative, officiated by H.E. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, Minister of State Administration; H.E. Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, Minister of Justice; H.E. Thorsten Bargfrede, Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste; and Ms. Funmi Balogun, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste. The event marked a major milestone in advancing digital transformation and inclusive governance in the country.

Bruna lancaster/ UNDP Timor-Leste

The launch ceremony, held at the Palm Springs Hotel in Dili, gathered government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, and civil society representatives. Distinguished guests included H.E. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, Minister of State Administration; H.E. Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, Minister of Justice; and the Vice Minister of Health, who joined representatives from the European Union Delegation and UNDP to celebrate this important national milestone.

The Dalan ba Digital project aims to modernize public services, strengthen digital governance, and improve citizen access to essential government services through innovation and technology. Over the next three years, it will support the creation of a unique digital ID for citizens, enhance the legal and institutional framework for digital governance, and develop user-friendly online services such as passports, ID cards, and birth certificates. All these services will be accessible through a single integrated digital platform designed to bring the government closer to the people.

H.E. Thorsten Bargfrede, Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste, delivers remarks during the official launch of “Dalan ba Digital,” highlighting the EU’s support for Timor-Leste’s digital transformation journey.

Bruno Lencastre/ UNDP TImor-Leste

In his remarks, H.E. Thorsten Bargfrede, Ambassador of the European Union to Timor-Leste, emphasized that the European Union’s partnership with UNDP and the Government of Timor-Leste reflects a shared vision of good governance, inclusivity, and human development. “DALAN BA DIGITAL will promote good governance, enhance human capital development, and indirectly foster economic development by increasing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. A country that embraces the challenges and opportunities of digitalization is more likely to thrive by boosting innovation and competitiveness, while one that does not risks being left behind. Digital technologies will serve as a bridge to greater opportunities, inclusivity, and development,” the Ambassador stated.

Dito pelo ChatGPT: H.E. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, Minister of State Administration, and H.E. Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, Minister of Justice, receive a symbolic model card representing the digitalization of Timor-Leste’s public service system. Both Ministers highlighted the importance of digital transformation in improving governance, efficiency, and accessibility for all citizens.

Bruno Lencastre/ UNDP Timor-Leste

H.E. Sérgio Hornai, Minister of Justice, underlined that digitalization is essential for improving the efficiency and transparency of public administration in Timor-Leste. “The digitalization of public services is especially important, and the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of State Administration are working together through the Balkaun Úniku to provide key digital services such as passports, birth certificates, citizenship cards, and other essential legal documents,” said the Minister. He added that the Government’s vision for digital transformation is not only about technology but about connecting citizens, ideas, and opportunities to promote inclusive and accountable governance.

H.E. Tomás do Rosário Cabral, Minister of State Administration, highlighted the broader importance of digitalization in strengthening local governance and modernizing public administration. “Dalan Digital is more than a technological project - it is a milestone in our nation’s modernization process. It reinforces our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and improved services for all citizens,” he said. The Minister also noted that initiatives like Dalan ba Digital will help prepare institutions and communities for future challenges, including the 2027 Municipal Elections, by improving efficiency, accessibility, and participation through digital tools.

Ms. Katyna Argueta, UNDP Resident Representative in Timor-Leste, delivers her remarks during the launch of “Dalan ba Digital,” reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in advancing digital transformation that is inclusive, people-centered, and leaves no one behind.

Credit MSA_Photo

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme, Ms. Katyna Argueta, UNDP Resident Representative, stressed that digital transformation is as much about people as it is about technology. “It’s about mindset, leadership, and inclusion,” she said. “We must ensure that no one is left behind—not the elderly, not rural communities, and not those without digital literacy. Digital transformation must serve everyone, everywhere.”

The project’s implementation will be guided by principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and accountability, ensuring that every Timorese citizen benefits from the country’s digital transformation journey. By strengthening institutions, building digital literacy, and introducing innovative public services, Dalan ba Digital represents a vital step in Timor-Leste’s path toward modernization and integration into regional and global digital frameworks.

As the event concluded, the European Union and UNDP reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in achieving its vision of a digitally empowered and citizen-centered society. Together, they are paving a new path for digital citizenship - empowering people, improving transparency, and modernizing public administration for a brighter, more connected future.