Prime Minister highlights youth as most valuable resource at National Seminar on the role of the new generation
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stated that Timorese youth are the nation's most valuable resource, emphasizing the importance of good management to ensure sustainable and inclusive development. The statement was made during his keynote speech at the National Seminar on ‘The Role of the New Generation in the Context of National Development - Young Leaders: Challenges and Opportunities,’ promoted by the Presidency of the Republic on September 2nd, 2025, at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. 
‘The Timorese youth are our nation’s most valuable resources. And, like all resources, to be effective, they must be well managed to contribute to sustainable and inclusive development,’ said the Head of Government, addressing an audience composed of representatives of sovereign bodies, members of the Government and National Parliament, representatives of the Church, civil society organizations, the diplomatic corps and university students.
The Prime Minister recalled that, on the previous Saturday, Timor-Leste celebrated the 26th anniversary of the Popular Consultation of August 30th, 1999, a historic moment when the people courageously chose independence after 24 years of struggle. ‘Therefore, with respect and gratitude, we remember all those who sacrificed their lives so that we could achieve this goal,’ he emphasized.
Xanana Gusmão also emphasized that the Timorese resistance was a collective effort that cannot be individualized, resulting from a combination of strategies, courageous actions, intelligence and solidarity, with the decisive support of the Church, non-governmental organizations, national and international solidarity groups and young people, men and women, who sustained the Armed, Clandestine and Diplomatic fronts. For the Head of Government, this is one of the greatest examples that should inspire new generations, as the history of Timor-Leste ‘is not that of an isolated hero, but of entire people who united around a common ideal.
The head of the Government called on young people to take on this legacy with discipline, dedication, organization, planning, study and sacrifice, facing the new challenges of economic sovereignty, job creation, poverty reduction and competitiveness in the regional and international market. He also stressed that building a democratic rule of law will only be possible if young people develop critical thinking, resilience, innovation and creativity, warning that relying solely on digital tools, such as Google searches or artificial intelligence, without critical reflection, does not guarantee the ability to respond to national challenges.
‘It is essential that young people cultivate analytical skills, independent thinking and a sense of responsibility so that they can become agents of peace, reconciliation, tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect. I firmly believe that, by following this path, the new generation will be able to realize the aspirations of the Timorese people for a prosperous and developed future, honoring the sacrifices that have shaped our history,’ he concluded.
The National Seminar, held under the leadership of the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, aimed to mark the 26th anniversary of the Popular Consultation and reinforce patriotism and nationalism among the new generation, valuing the history of the national liberation struggle. The event was also attended by the President of the National Parliament, several members of the Government, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Attorney General, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, the Chief of Staff of FALINTIL-Defense Forces of Timor-Leste, the Commander-General of the National Police of Timor-Leste, Henrique da Costa, among other personalities.
