Participation in subsidiary organs

Other intergovernmental organs

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Member

Addresses delivered in the general policy debate by the Head of Delegation at the General Conference

36 session of the General Conference

H.E. Mr João Câncio Freitas, Minister of Education

Speech delivered during the General Policy Debate of the 36th session of the General Conference and posted as received

35 session of the General Conference

H.E. Mr João Câncio Freitas, Minister of Education

“(…) Since our independence in May 2002 successive governments have emphasized the pivotal role that education plays in sustainable development. All our education sector initiatives are centred around the objective of developing and implementing a quality education system (…). We have embraced the Education for All principles and policies and are making progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Literacy, teacher training and skills development are 3 fundamental areas of EFA we are intensively working on. We have established the legal framework for implementing universal, compulsory, and free basic education of 9 years of schooling as mandated by our National Education Bill approved in October 2008. We have also embarked upon an ambitious National Literacy Campaign with the aim of declaring Timor-Leste free of illiteracy in the next couple of years (…) and boosting our functional literacy and numeracy rates on our education agenda.”
“Professional development and training of teachers to meet current and future demand is particularly challenging given Timor-Leste’s complex linguistic reality, with 16 national languages spoken across the country (…). We are committed to creating and maintaining a multi-lingual administration and learning environment for our children, but we would benefit from UNESCO’s vast experience of best practice in terms promotion of indigenous cultural expression and languages as well as promoting our two official languages, Tetum and Portuguese.”
“We are also promoting technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skills development within a broader framework of lifelong learning while putting a strong emphasis on secondary and post-secondary technical education.”
“In the area of higher education, we have completed the international, external assessment of our national tertiary institutions and have subsequently awarded successful institutions with operating licences and institutional accreditation. We are currently reviewing and developing the national curriculum for all levels of schooling. (…) In January 2010, we will be using technology for educational purposes, particularly Radio and TV education programs, aiming at providing the students in all districts with access to quality education.”
“(…) We have recently approved the National Cultural policy for the preservation of our rich cultural heritage and national patrimony. Some foreign researchers have identified 65 sites of ancient rock paintings which we would like to protect and preserve (…) as a possible World Heritage site. We have also received the support from the Regional UNESCO office in Jakarta for promoting the establishment of our National Museum.”
“We are finalising our Education Strategic Plan which highlights the Government’s commitment to achieving the MDGs, education for sustainable development, and inclusive education with particular emphasis on equity and gender issues. We will, therefore, request the continuous support of UNESCO in order to achieve our educational, scientific and cultural objectives for our people.”
“(…) We have followed the example of other countries by establishing in April this year, the Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO (…).”