Last week, I had the privilege of co‑facilitating a three‑day Multi‑Stakeholder Training & Workshop on Climate Services for Health, held from 25–27 February 2026 in Dili, Timor‑Leste. The workshop forms part of the “Enhancing Early Warning Systems to Build Greater Resilience to Hydro‑Meteorological Hazards in Timor‑Leste (FP171)” initiative, bringing together government ministries, technical agencies, frontline practitioners, and development partners.
Hosted collaboratively by UNU‑IIGH, Green Climate Fund, UNEP, WHO, DNMG, and the Ministry of Health, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the tools, data, and cross‑sectoral processes needed to better anticipate, respond to, and mitigate the health impacts of climate variability and extremes.
What We Covered
Day 1 – Understanding Climate & Health Risks
We explored Timor‑Leste’s climate hazard profile, vulnerable populations, and the Health National Adaptation Plan, setting a strong foundation for climate‑resilient health planning.
Day 2 – Using Climate Information for Action
Participants engaged with climate datasets, learned to use the climate risk information system for public health (CRISH App), and examined gendered vulnerabilities and their implications for early warning.
Day 3 – Strengthening Coordination
The final day focused on cross‑sectoral planning, communication pathways, and sustaining long‑term collaboration between health and climate institutions.
🎓 A Collective Effort
It was inspiring to see the commitment of all participants, who received certificates recognising their active engagement and completion of the training.
Moving Forward
As climate threats intensify, strengthening early warning systems and climate‑informed health action is essential. This workshop was an important milestone in the larger journey toward building a resilient, data‑driven, and people‑centered health system that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate. This journey includes a collaboration with The University of Timor Leste (UNTL) with whom we develop a partnership.
Grateful to my co‑facilitator Dr Remco van de Pas (UNU-IIGH), and specialist input from Elsa Araujo Pinto-gender issues (UNEP-Timor Leste), Filomena Marquees de Oliveira-CRISH App (RIMES), Simao Teles Fernandes-Meteriology services (DNMG) for making this possible.
Suggested citation: Thandazile Sibindi. "Building Climate & Health Resilience in Timor‑Leste: Key Highlights from a Training Workshop," United Nations University, UNU-IIGH, 2026-03-11, https://unu.edu/iigh/article/building-climate-health-resilience-timor-leste-key-highlights-training-workshop.
