Vietnam and UNICEF collaborate to promote digital transformation and child welfare in Timor-Leste

Vietnamese Chargé d'affaires in Timor-Leste Pham Binh Dam works with the UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste, July 10. (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Timor-Leste)

The two sides discussed the challenges facing children in Timor-Leste, the programs UNICEF is implementing, and the potential for Vietnam to share its experiences in certain development areas of Timor-Leste.

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During the meeting, Chargé d'affaires Pham Binh Dam expressed appreciation for the valuable support that the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has provided to Vietnam during difficult post-war periods. From a country primarily receiving aid, Vietnam has gradually enhanced its self-reliance, achieving significant progress in poverty alleviation and improving its healthcare and education systems. Moreover, Vietnam is increasingly proactive in sharing resources, experiences, and initiatives with the international community.

Sharing UNICEF's priorities in Timor-Leste, Ms. Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste, stated that child malnutrition remains one of the urgent challenges in Timor-Leste, with the stunting rate for children under five once at 47.1%. According to her, this situation stems not only from food shortages but also from maternal health, child care conditions, access to clean water, and essential services. UNICEF is currently collaborating with the Government of Timor-Leste to implement programs to improve development conditions for children in disadvantaged communities.

The two sides also discussed leveraging the potential of Timor-Leste's youth. According to Ms. Patrizia DiGiovanni, although Timor-Leste has a young population structure, many youths lack opportunities for education, employment, extracurricular activities, and community engagement. Beyond formal education, there is a need to create more spaces for young people to develop initiatives and directly address local issues.

On this matter, Chargé d'affaires Pham Binh Dam emphasized that digital transformation is a crucial tool for expanding development opportunities and should be regarded as part of the right to development and human rights. According to the Chargé d'affaires, access to education, healthcare, and public services should not be limited by geographical distance or lack of internet connectivity. Therefore, affordable internet access should be ensured as a right so that no one is left behind in terms of connectivity and digital access, helping to improve social services, including healthcare, education, and communication.

Chargé d'affaires Pham Binh Dam affirmed that Vietnam is ready to share both successful experiences and practical lessons in developing grassroots healthcare, universal education, e-government, data management, online public service provision, and capacity building for officials. These contributions do not necessarily start with financial support but can be implemented through expert exchanges, training, field surveys, and sharing of appropriate models.

Ms. Patrizia DiGiovanni stated that UNICEF is ready to coordinate and organize field trips for Vietnamese representatives to directly explore local programs, the living conditions of mountain communities, and the challenges in delivering services to the people. Based on this, the parties can identify areas where Vietnam's experience can be effectively applied, aligning with the needs of Timor-Leste. This ensures that children are both beneficiaries and active participants with equal access to development opportunities in the digital age.

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