ACIAR Marks 25-Year Partnership With Timor-Leste

ACIAR

This year, Australia celebrates 25 years of development cooperation with Timor-Leste. This milestone reflects the enduring partnership between ACIAR and Timor-Leste. Since 2000, ACIAR-supported research projects have played a vital role in advancing agricultural development, strengthening food security and improving rural livelihoods across Timor-Leste.

'Australia is proud to stand alongside Timor-Leste as a long-term development partner, supporting the country's journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth,' said Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Ms Caitlin Wilson.

'Through investments in agricultural research and innovation, the Australian and Timor-Leste governments work together to strengthen food security, build local expertise and create opportunities that benefit communities across the nation,' added Ambassador Wilson.

Recognising the importance of effective on-the-ground coordination and sustained collaboration, ACIAR established a dedicated country office in Timor-Leste in 2022. Since then, ACIAR has supported Timor-Leste by brokering and facilitating agricultural research initiatives that drive positive outcomes for smallholder farmers. These efforts include collaboration with partners to:

ACIAR is investing in 8 research projects for 2025-2026 in crops, fisheries, livestock systems, social systems, and soil and land management. ACIAR is also supporting climate resilience in Timor-Leste by strengthening sustainable agriculture and the country's ability to adapt to climate change.

'This partnership is about ACIAR working with Timorese farmers, institutions, researchers and policymakers to address the country's most pressing agricultural challenges,' said ACIAR Country Manager, Timor-Leste, Mr Luis de Almeida.

'Their progress inspires us: Farmers who have tested and adopted new approaches in their fields, scientists who are now leading national research and institutions that have grown stronger and more responsive through collaboration and shared learning.'

A showcase of success

As part of the partnership celebration, ACIAR CEO Professor Wendy Umberger led an ACIAR delegation to Dili. This was her first official visit to Timor-Leste. The visit aimed to deepen ties with local partners and explore new avenues for collaboration. Professor Umberger met with key stakeholders from government, research institutions and commissioned organisations who have been instrumental in the Australia-Timor-Leste agricultural research partnership.

'ACIAR proudly partners with Timor-Leste expertise in research that is locally led, context-specific and focused on long-term change, and we do so with deep respect for Timorese culture, knowledge systems and the aspirations of local communities,' said Professor Umberger.

A highlight of the visit was the ACIAR Timor-Leste Program Showcase, a celebratory event that honoured the impact of more than 2 decades of joint research. The showcase featured compelling stories from partners about how research has translated into real-world outcomes, including boosting agricultural productivity, promoting sustainability and improving the lives of rural communities. The event underscored the power of partnerships and a shared vision for Timor-Leste's future.

Professor Umberger and Timor-Leste's Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment HE Francisco Kalbuadi Lay officially opened the Showcase. In her opening remarks, Professor Umberger expressed deep appreciation to Timorese partners and stakeholders and reaffirmed ACIAR's commitment for expanding demand-driven research, youth-led innovation and capacity developing in the agriculture sector.

In addition to the Showcase, Professor Umberger and Magnificent Rector of National University of Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL) Professor Dr João Soares Martins signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU will provide further opportunities for research collaboration and knowledge exchange in Timor-Leste.

A man and woman standing side by side, each holding a signed piece of paper
ACIAR CEO Professor Wendy Umberger and Magnificent Rector of the National University of Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL) Professor Dr João Soares Martins hold the Memorandum of Understanding they signed in Dili on 18 August 2025, witnessed by Timor-Leste Director-General of Higher Education and Science, Ms. Maria Filomena Lay Guterres (left) and Deputy Ambassador of Australia to Timor-Leste, Mr Edward Wilkinson (right).

Capacity development in Timor-Leste

While in Dili, Professor Umberger also had discussions with Timor-Leste officials, including Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing. Talks focused on reviewing the progress of ACIAR-supported research projects and aligning future efforts with national priorities.

'ACIAR's partnership has laid a strong foundation for agricultural transformation in Timor-Leste,' said Dr Odete Maria Guterres with the National Council for Food Security, Sovereignty and Nutrition in Timor-Leste (CONSSAN-TL), and alumna of ACIAR's John Allwright Fellowship and Meryl Williams Fellowship programs.

'ACIAR-supported research in Timor-Leste has improved household food availability and nutrition particularly in rural areas, increased farming productivity while protecting natural resources, empowered farmers to engage in markets and improve incomes and contributed to informing national agricultural strategies,' added Dr Guterres. She emphasised that continued collaboration promises not only to boost productivity but also to ensure that agriculture becomes a driver of inclusive development, nutrition and climate resilience in the years to come.

With strong commitment to human capital development, ACIAR's partnership with Timor-Leste goes beyond agricultural research. Through the John Allwright Fellowship program, which has supported 16 Timorese scholars in postgraduate studies in Australia, ACIAR nurtures a new generation of researchers, academics and agricultural professionals. Additionally, various scholarship and leadership programs enhance national research leadership and institutional capacity, paving the way for long-term, locally driven development.

'These capacity-building programs enhance local ownership and sustainability of agricultural innovations,' said Dr Guterres.

A group of people standing around a long table facing the camera.
ACIAR CEO Professor Wendy Umberger and team connect with ACIAR Timor-Leste's alumni in Dili.

Partnership for the future

Professor Umberger also expressed confidence in the partnership's ongoing impact. 'At ACIAR, we remain committed to deepening our collaboration with Timor-Leste by investing in research that empowers local communities, supports government policy and brings regional and global science to address national priorities. We sincerely thank the farmers, field workers, researchers, government officials and development partners whose dedication to agriculture and rural development is helping Timor-Leste thrive.'

Learn more about ACIAR investment in Timor-Leste via the ACIAR website and visit the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste website

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