Empowering Future Business Leaders in Baucau

UNDP and ADB collaborate on Youth Entrepreneurship Incubator

October 23, 2024

a group of people standing in front of a building — Participants, facilitators, experts and representatives from UNDP, ADB and the Municipal Authority of Baucau pose with the Demokrasia Bis in from of Municipal Authority of Baucau

Carolina Silva/UNDP Timor-Leste

Baucau, October 22nd, 2024 – In a landmark event aimed at cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit of Timor-Leste’s youth, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) came together to launch the Youth Entrepreneurship Incubator in Baucau. This one-day event equipped aspiring young business leaders with the knowledge, resources, and inspiration necessary to shape the future of the nation’s economy.

The event began with opening remarks by Ms. Katyna Argueta, Resident Representative of UNDP Timor-Leste. She emphasized the event's significance in not only building entrepreneurial skills but also in promoting active youth participation in policymaking:

The Youth Entrepreneurship Incubator bridges the gap between aspiration and action for young entrepreneurs by offering knowledge, resources, and inspiration. Successful young business owners and managers will act as resource persons during the workshop, sharing their experiences, strategies, and insights into the business world. This one-day workshop develops an approach that seeks to involve youth in the policy-making processes by giving young people a platform to voice their concerns and ideas and to collaborate directly with policymakers in co-creating policies. This approach ensures that the policies being developed reflect the perspectives of the youth, empowering them not just as beneficiaries but as active contributors to the country's development.

Katyna Argueta, Resident Representative UNDP Timor-Leste

a group of people posing for a photo — Participants, facilitators, experts and representatives from UNDP, ADB and Municipal Authority of Baucau pose for group photo

Carolina Silva/UNDP Timor-Leste

Acknowledging the inspiring leadership of Mana Veneranda Lemos Martins, the President of Baucau Municipality, Ms. Stefania Dina, ADB’s Country Director for Timor-Leste, echoed this sentiment in her remarks, emphasizing the importance of promoting innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship among the youth in Timor-Leste:

Each one of you has the potential to be a leader and a change-maker. Remember, every successful entrepreneur started with an idea and the courage to pursue it. As young entrepreneurs, you have the power to drive change in Timor-Leste. Your businesses can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to social development. The event is not just a gathering but a movement towards a brighter future for the youth community.

Stefania Dina, ADB’s Country Director for Timor-Leste

The event was officially inaugurated by the Representative of the Municipal Authority of Baucau, Mr. Fransisco X. da Silva Guterres, Director of Municipal Planning,who appreciated the collaboration of the organizing partners, setting the tone for a day filled with learning, inspiration, and collaboration.

A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, where four accomplished young entrepreneurs shared their inspiring journeys, challenges, and valuable insights with participants. Dedito Kayaka, founder of Underwater Cinema, Ross Merry, founder of Kios Matenek, Joaninha Godinho, founder of Skyra Restaurante, and Gabriel Martins, Horticulture Production Coordinator, captivated the audience by detailing their paths to success. Their stories offered invaluable lessons on overcoming obstacles and transforming ideas into thriving businesses. The session was followed by an engaging ‘Idea Jams' where participants and panelists exchanged ideas and posed questions in a lively, motivational atmosphere, fostering creativity and collaboration.

a group of people sitting at a table — Experts and Facilitators collaborate on a co-creation session with the young aspiring entrepreneurs

Carolina Silva/UNDP Timor-Leste

The event concluded with a Co-Creation Session, where participants worked alongside the panelists and facilitators to identify the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Baucau. The session also focused on discussing policies that can support youth in starting and growing their own businesses, ensuring that Timor-Leste’s policies reflect the needs and aspirations of its youth.

Throughout the event, Demokrasia Bis and Youth Conversations teams gathered live feedback from the participants using surveys and real-time infographics, capturing insights into the concerns and aspirations of young entrepreneurs in Baucau.

By creating an inclusive platform for learning, sharing, collaborating, and hearing the voice of the youth, the Youth Entrepreneurship Incubator aimed to lay the foundation for a new generation of innovative and resilient business leaders who will positively influence the entrepreneurial landscape of Timor-Leste. The event highlights the importance of international partners working together: together UNDP and ADB are stronger promoting youth empowerment and sustainable development throughout the country.