Reflections on Fundasaun Mahein’s 13th Birthday

Fundasaun Mahein’s Photo

 

Today, Fundasaun Mahein celebrated its 13th birthday. Our staff met to reflect on our achievements and enjoy food together.

FM was established in 2009, when Timor-Leste had recently emerged from the crisis of 2006-2008. At that time, many donors were interested to support an independent NGO working security sector monitoring, research and advocacy.

Through our work across 13 years advocating for security sector policies which promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law, FM has developed a strong reputation for independent, critical analysis and constructive, concrete policy recommendations among Timor-Leste’s decision makers, civil society, academics and international partners. We have directly and indirectly influenced numerous security sector policies and programs, and contributed to public and policy debates on many other issues. In addition, several FM staff members have continued their careers in government positions, where they contribute their expertise to further Timor-Leste’s institutional development and national security interests.

More recently, as with many local NGOs in Timor-Leste, Fundasaun Mahein has faced challenges with obtaining sustainable donor funding. However, we have continued to search for potential partnerships while maintaining regular outputs which can contribute to policy development and public debate on security issues, including research reports, blog articles, radio programs and community discussion activities. We have also expanded our research focus to include topics such as foreign policy, geopolitics, sustainable development and education.

As Timor-Leste moves forward from the Covid-19 crisis, Presidential election and towards next year’s parliamentary elections, Fundasaun Mahein commits to continuing our main mission of monitoring, researching and advocating on a wide range of security sector issues. We look forward to participating in more discussion, dialogue and action with our partners in government, civil society and donor agencies. In this way, we can all work together for a prosperous, secure and just future for all Timorese people.

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