Government of Timor-Leste

The Vice Prime-Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister for Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, represented Timor-Leste at the 37th Joint Meeting of the United Nations Commission for Tourism in East Asia and the Pacific Commission for South Asia (CAP-CSA), as well as at the 56th and 60th meetings of these regional commissions and at the UN Tourism Regional Conference on “Tourism Policy in the Circular Economy”, held between April 15^th to 16^th in Jakarta, Indonesia.

These meetings are UN Tourism's main annual forums in the Asia-Pacific region and bring together high-level representatives from member states, affiliate members and international and regional organizations, with the aim of strengthening strategic dialogue and aligning public policies that promote sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism. The program included the presentation of the UN Tourism Work Plan for 2025-2026 and debates on the region's main challenges and common priorities.

As part of the Regional Conference on Tourism Policy in the Circular Economy, the Vice Prime-Minister was on the panel of the high-level debate dedicated to integrating the principles of the circular economy into the sector's public policies, alongside representatives from Indonesia, the Maldives, the Philippines and other relevant entities from the business and institutional sectors. The session highlighted strategies to reduce waste, improve sustainable resource management and promote tourism models that combine economic development and environmental preservation.

In his speech, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay stressed that “tourism is a powerful tool for development, and, for Timor-Leste, it is a fundamental engine for economic growth”. With the potential to “create jobs for our young people, help small businesses grow, bring investment into our country and also help protect our beautiful natural environment”, he stressed.

The Vice Prime Minister also said that the government's tourism policy is based on three fundamental pillars: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. “We want tourism to support local businesses, improve the well-being of our people and build a sustainable economic ecosystem to ensure that tourism benefits everyone, including women, rural communities and small businesses. And we want to protect our beautiful nature - our beaches, forests and marine life - so that future generations can enjoy it too.

He reiterated Timor-Leste's commitment to an ecological and sustainable tourism model, based on valuing Timorese nature and culture. “We are excited to discuss the Circular Economy in Tourism. In Timor-Leste, we believe in ecological tourism, where visitors enjoy nature and protect it at the same time. With the support of UN Tourism and our regional partners, Timor-Leste will continue to develop tourism that benefits our people, respects our culture and protects our environment.”

In closing, the Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay thanked UN Tourism and the Government of Indonesia for organizing the event and left an invitation: “I invite everyone to visit Timor-Leste, explore our rich cultural heritage and witness the incredible beauty of our country. Together, we can build a sustainable and prosperous future for tourism in our region.”