DILI, TIMOR-LESTE – June 6, 2025 – The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) International Secretariat successfully concluded a critical pre-validation mission to Dili, Timor-Leste, from June 3-5, 2025, reaffirming the nation’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and robust governance within its extractive sector.
A delegation from the EITI International Secretariat, comprising Ms. Oliana Valigura, Regional Director-Asia; Ms. Sarah Hayton, Country Manager-Asia; and Mr. Riley Zecca, Validation Advisor, facilitated a comprehensive two-day pre-validation workshop at Timor Plaza (Maubara Room) on June 4-5.
The mission’s core objective was to deliver targeted pre-validation support to Timor-Leste as it prepares for its impending validation process, scheduled to commence in January 2026. The workshop meticulously covered key facets of the validation procedure, including an in-depth elucidation of the new validation template and a thorough examination of validation outcomes and impact, expertly led by Mr. Zecca. Ms. Hayton presented the newly revised EITI Standard 2023, with a particular emphasis on pivotal areas such as energy transition, anti-corruption frameworks, gender considerations, social and environmental safeguards, and revenue collection mechanisms. Ms. Valigura provided a comprehensive overview of corrective actions identified during Timor-Leste’s 2022 Validation. The collaborative workshop culminated with the International Secretariat team providing direct assistance in facilitating substantive discussions and completing the crucial Work Plan Matrix template.
Ms. Oliana Valigura underscored the strategic importance of the workshop, stating, “From this workshop, we would like to see what can be done by each constituency’s role and responsibility within the next six months to prepare for the upcoming validation that commences in January 2026.”
The Chairperson for EITI in Timor-Leste conveyed profound appreciation for the International Secretariat’s timely visit and unwavering support. “As Chairperson for the EITI in Timor-Leste, I wish to extend our warm gratitude to the EITI International Secretariat for undertaking this mission to Timor-Leste for their continued support to our work for our country’s journey forward transparency, accountability, and good governance in the extractive sector,” the Chairperson affirmed. “This visit of the International Secretariat is particularly timely and significant as we prepare for the upcoming validation in January 2026. This mission and the workshop are an essential opportunity to reflect the progress we have made, the challenges we still face, and the path forward in implementing the EITI Standard 2023. As a country that has long demonstrated commitment to the EITI process.”
Preceding the pre-validation workshop, on June 3, the EITI International team conducted a series of vital bilateral meetings with diverse stakeholders. These engagements included discussions with high-level Government representatives, extractive Companies, Civil Society Organizations constituencies, representatives from the European Union in conjunction with the Asian Development Bank (ADB),representatives from Australian Embassy, the TL-EITI Secretariat, H.E. Francisco da Costa Monteiro, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and the Rafael de Araujo, the president of National Authority for Mining.
The comprehensive workshop saw the participation of over 40 individuals, comprising members of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG), alternate members, and TL-EITI Secretariat staff, reflecting the broad-based engagement and dedicated commitment to the EITI process within Timor-Leste.
This successful mission represents a pivotal advancement for Timor-Leste in its ongoing endeavours to bolster transparency and accountability within its extractive sector, laying a robust foundation for a successful validation in 2026.