06/02/2026
The Southeast Asia Resilience workshop held in Timor-Leste and organized by the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance, brought together exceptional disaster management practitioners from across sectors to collaborate on the next generation of regional resilience-building initiatives.
PDC was proud to be invited to present at this multi-day event, highlighting the latest applications and innovations of science and technology, as well as our initiatives supporting partners throughout the region. Below is a translated synopsis from Timor-Leste's Civil Protection Authority (APC) President, Jesuinho dos Reis de Matos Carvalho:
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PRESIDENT OF THE CIVIL PROTECTION AUTHORITY CLOSES RESILIENCE WORKSHOP AT PALM SPRINGS HALL, FATUHADA
Dili, 29 May 2026�
The President of the Civil Protection Authority (APC), Jesuinho dos Reis de Matos Carvalho, officially closed the Resilience Workshop, which was conducted over three days at the Palm Springs Hall in Fatuhada, Dili. During the closing ceremony, President Carvalho stated, “I would like to express my deep appreciation to all of you for your presence on the final day of this resilience workshop, organized by the Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance.”
He also extended special recognition to the Center for Excellence for organizing the workshop and, in particular, for publishing the Disaster Management Reference Handbook – Timor-Leste, noting: “We are deeply honored by this initiative. This work represents a highly valuable contribution to Timor-Leste.”
President Carvalho emphasized that, as a nation vulnerable to natural disasters, climate change, and humanitarian challenges, investments in knowledge, preparedness, and institutional coordination are essential to saving lives and strengthening the country's response capacity.
He highlighted the importance of making the handbook available in Tetum, saying, “This decision demonstrates respect for our national identity and ensures that technical knowledge and practical guidance are accessible to Timorese institutions, professionals, students, and communities. Access to information in our own language strengthens inclusion, learning, and local capacity for action.”
He praised the work of the Center for Excellence in Timor-Leste, noting that its mission to strengthen humanitarian crisis and emergency response capabilities across the Indo-Pacific directly contributes to a more prepared and resilient Timor-Leste. President Carvalho officially declared the workshop closed, stating, “With great pride and hope, we officially conclude this resilience workshop. I thank all participants whose dedication and commitment have helped strengthen resilience in both professional and daily life. Resilience is not only about facing challenges, but about rising again with strength and confidence.”
He expressed appreciation to all organizers, facilitators, and participants for their contributions to the success of the workshop and expressed hope that the knowledge and experience gained would be applied within institutions and communities to build a stronger, more united, and better-prepared society.
During the same event, President Carvalho officially launched the Disaster Management Reference Handbook – Timor-Leste, describing it as an important reference resource for increasing knowledge and preparedness in disaster management. He noted, “This handbook will serve as a useful guide for institutions, students, and communities to better understand disaster mitigation and response.” He also thanked the partners and teams who contributed to the handbook’s preparation and publication, emphasizing that cooperation and education are critical to strengthening community resilience in the future.
Autoridade Proteção Civil Timor-Leste
Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance
