DILI (TOP) – President of the Republic of Timor-Leste and 1996 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, José Ramos-Horta, challenged the academics (students, researchers, and teachers) in Timor-Leste to prepare for the demands of globalization and Free Trade.
He believes this preparation is no longer merely an option, but rather the key to survival and competition amidst fading borders, intense job competition, and technological disruption.
Several technology experts recommend that, to concretely address these challenges, academics need to master several strategic pillars, such as understanding artificial intelligence, data analysis, and automation to support research and productivity.
Mastery of international languages, especially English, is vital for accessing global literature, participating in student exchanges, and expanding research collaborations. It also develops critical thinking skills, complex problem-solving, creativity, and the ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
And also build international connections and participation in cross-country academic communities to enrich insights and open up collaboration opportunities.
Therefore, in commemoration of the 24th Restoration of Independence Day, President Ramos-Horta, through the Political Support Service (SAPO), hosted a National Seminar at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. Held under the theme, “Consolidation between the State and Academics to Maintain National Resilience and Sustainability,” the seminar aimed to strengthen coordination between the State and academia to address challenges and achieve sustainable development objectives.
According to a press release from the Presidential Palace that, as Timor-Leste navigates national, regional, and global political dynamics—including the advent of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) era—this consolidation is a fundamental strategy for building resilience. The State provides policy direction and legislation, while academics contribute the scientific research and innovation needed for evidence-based decision-making. Furthermore, following Timor-Leste’s admission to the ASEAN in October 2025, the nation must move beyond Least Developed Country (LDC) models.
President Ramos-Horta emphasizes the important of the leadership and highlight the continuity and the achievement the nation has accomplished, ensuring the young people understand that national unity is the bedrock of State and national sustainability.
“As we now enter ASEAN, we need a strong consolidation of critical thinking and political action to secure the quality of our younger generation. We must cultivate academics as statesmen who place the nation above all. Facing globalization and AI, we must do this together—ensuring our youth are ready to compete, innovate, and lead, without creating new social barriers,” Stated President Horta on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The seminar brought together Government officials, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, university rectors, academics, students, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations. The program featured three main sessions focused on preparing Timor-Leste for globalization and the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).
During the morning session, Lieutenant General (Ref) Lere Anan Timur, presented on “How to Become a Good Citizen in a Democratic Nation to Guarantee Unity and National Development.” This was followed by a discussion on “Academic Think Tank on National Development,” led by the Rector of UNTL, Joviano António da Costa. The morning session moderated by Alexandre Xavier Araújo, Coordinator of the Political Support Service (SAPO) and José Violante, followed by an interactive Q&A.
In the afternoon session, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, addressed “Strategic Planning and Investment in Human Resources to Reinforce National Resilience and Sustainability in the Era of Globalization and ASEAN Integration.” This session moderated by Alexandre Xavier Araújo and followed by an interactive Q&A.
The National Seminar concluded with a firm commitment to a renewed State-Academic partnership promoting evidence-based policies, human capital strength, local innovation, and national identity. By transforming academia into a national think tank and reminding the younger generation of their role as the engine of development, Timor-Leste will thrive within regional rules—building a resilient and sustainable future for all Timorese.
