15 August 2025, Dili – The Timor-Leste Red Cross (CVTL) and the National University of East Timor (UNTL) have formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on humanitarian cooperation for 2025–2026. The agreement was signed at the CVTL National Headquarters in Formosa, Dili, by CVTL Secretary General Mr. Luis Pedro Pinto and UNTL Rector Professor Dr. João Soares Martins, MPH, Ph.D.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between the two institutions, with a focus on disaster risk management and climate change research. By combining CVTL’s humanitarian experience with UNTL’s academic expertise, both parties aim to strengthen national preparedness and resilience in responding to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by key partners and stakeholders, including the Head of Office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Dili, Mr. João Martins Alves; the IFRC Focal Point in Timor-Leste, Mr. Macario Lopes; the Representative of the American Red Cross in Timor-Leste, Mr. Md. Sazzad Ansari; CVTL Disaster Management Coordinator, Mrs. Emidia Belo; and CVTL External Relations Coordinator, Mrs. Vidiana Xareal. CVTL staff, UNTL lecturers, and students also attended the event.
This initiative is supported with funding from the American Red Cross (AmCross), reinforcing international solidarity in advancing research and capacity building to better serve vulnerable communities across Timor-Leste.
