Inauguration of Baucao Balkaun Úniku Office

Timor-Leste Expands Public Service Efficiency with the Second Balkaun Úniku, Strengthening

January 24, 2025

A woman in a colorful dress greets others at an entrance with smiles and handshakes. — Officials and partners cut the ribbon to mark the official inauguration of the Baucau Balkaun Úniku, symbolizing a step forward in improving public service accessibility and efficiency in Timor-Leste

Photo: Joao Crisostomo/ UNDP TImor-Leste

On 24^th January 2025 marked a significant milestone for the Baucau Municipality as we proudly inaugurate the second One-Stop-Shop (Balkaun Úniku), dedicated to streamlining services and enhancing accessibility for the community. The Balkaun Úniku (BU) office, situated within the city center of Baucau, is designed to consolidate public services under one roof.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the IX Constitutional Government, the Ministry of State Administration, and UNDP. Today, we can rebuild this beautiful building. I would like to emphasize that the Balkaun Uniku (BU) is a space designed to bring administrative processes closer to the people” said the President of Municipal Authority of Baucau, Mrs. Veneranda Lemos in her welcome remarks in the inauguration.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Ms. Adeline Carrier, stated in her remarks, “I am pleased to say that we will expand to the partnership with the Ministry of State Administration and to have a one-stop-shops in other municipalities. I believe that this initiative will not only enhance citizens participation but also stimulate greater participation in local governance”.

This project demonstrates the initiative and commitment of the Timor-Leste government, particularly the Ministry of State Administration (MSA), the Ministry of Justice, and UNDP, aligning with the National Strategy Development Plan (PEDN), specifically focusing on modernizing systems, improving public access for people in general include people with disabilities and simplifying administrative processes in all municipalities in Timor-Leste.

H.E. Minister of Justice, Mr. Sergio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, further expressed “Our gratitude to UNDP for being a valuable partner in seeking to understand how we can introduce central government policies and bring the State's public administration closer to the communities. The Ministry of Justice is working on mapping and expanding the Directorate-General for Notarial Services to further strengthen their presence in communities, ensuring the provision of quality and efficient services to guarantee citizen satisfaction”.

On the other hand, H.E. Minister of State Administration, Mr. Tomas do Rosario Cabral, highlighted that “BU’s decree law for the implementation has been approved, this building is not a Ministry of State Administration office, but the central Government and Ministry of State Administration only managed it. After we launched the Balkaun Úniku in Manatuto, from May – December 2024 there were approximately of 4000 citizens who were facilitated in Balkaun Uniku came from Dili, Baucau, Viqueque and Lautem. There were 2036 national Identification cards, 562 passports and 1077 criminal certificated were issued to citizens”.

A diverse group of six people in a brightly lit room, smiling and posing together. — Government officials and UNDP representatives take a photo with the first beneficiary to receive an Identity Card during the official inauguration of the Baucau Balkaun Úniku office

Photo: Joao Crisostomo/UNDP Timor-Leste

With this inauguration, we currently have 2 Balkaun Úniku projects already operating in Timor-Leste, namely Manatuto and Baucau, and soon to inaugurate Liquiça and Ataúro BU offices. The installation of other additional Balkaun Uniku projects for other municipalities are in progress.

UNDP’s Mission for the Balkaun Úniku Project

UNDP remains committed to supporting Timor-Leste in achieving efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered governance. Through the Balkaun Úniku initiative, UNDP aims to strengthen local governance, improve access to essential public services, and promote digital transformation within government institutions. This initiative is aligned with UNDP’s broader mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that all citizens, including those in rural and remote areas, can benefit from streamlined public services. By working closely with the Government of Timor-Leste, local municipalities, and key development partners, UNDP seeks to enhance institutional capacities, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and empower communities through improved service delivery.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, relevant government officials, the European Union Ambassador, Mr. Marc Fiedrich, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mrs. Funmi Balogun, as well as representatives from relevant municipal authorities and other institutions.