Timor-Leste Participates in International Forum on Soil and Water to Combat Global Environmental Challenges
Timor-Leste's Vice-Prime-Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, took part in the International Forum on Soil and Water 2024, held from December 9 to 11 in Bangkok, Thailand. The event, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Thailand, brought together global leaders to discuss solutions to water scarcity and soil degradation, two critical challenges for food security and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
In his speech at the opening session, the Vice-Prime-Minister underlined Timor-Leste's commitment, as a young nation heavily dependent on agriculture, to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve soil productivity and implement community-based water management. He also emphasized the need to integrate sustainable solutions to preserve natural resources and develop resilient infrastructures to climate change, in order to protect the country against environmental shocks, boost sustainable growth and ensure environmental conservation.
He also highlighted the role of innovation as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the Timor-Leste government's strategic vision of adopting advanced agricultural technologies and investing in the development of human capital. 
The forum also featured interventions by FAO General Director, Qu Dongyu and the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Water, Retno Marsudi, who shared global visions and solutions for integrated water management and the recovery of degraded soils.
At the closing ceremony, the participating countries, including Timor-Leste, signed a Ministerial Declaration defining a Joint Action Agenda based on scientific evidence and technological innovations. This commitment aims to promote sustainable practices, increase efficiency in water use and protect ecosystems.
The Timorese delegation also included the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz, and the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo da Costa. Both took part in thematic sessions and ministerial debates focused on integrated soil and water management and resilient solutions to climate change.
The International Forum on Soil and Water represents an important platform for sharing good practices, innovations and partnerships, promoting global transformation towards more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.
