The Timor Leste NGO Forum is the umbrella organization for local, national and international NGOs that exist in Timor Leste. With characteristics such as being non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian, as well as acting as a partner for state institutions in the process of nation building, it maintains a position as an independent organization that monitors government and strengthens civil society in the national development process. The vision of FONGTIL is the “Liberation of Timorese people from oppression, vulnerability, exploitation, underdevelopment and discrimination by dominant parties including fellow human beings, so that the idea of total liberation can be realized with prosperity and justice, which is supported by a strong civil society in the democratic nation”.

FONGTIL’s Mission is to:
a.Empower and develop the capacity of Timorese people in order to be autonomous in daily life.
b.Defend and advocate in the interest of Timorese people for a better life.
c.Protect and strengthen NGOs in Timor Leste.

FONGTIL was established by fourteen Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in 1998. After the referendum in 1999, FONGTIL became an independent institution acting as an umbrella organization for both National and International organizations operating in Timor Leste. The first Annual
General Meeting was held in 2000. Today there are 530 National NGO’s and 123 International NGO’s registered as a member of FONGTIL. FONGTIL operates in accordance with the mandate agreed by the AGM; facilitating, coordinating, advocating and disseminating information to its members. In
order to carry out its mandate, FONGTIL has four units; the Membership Service Team, the Advocacy Unit, the District Liaison Officer (DLO) Unit and the Administration Unit.