Vice Prime Minister Highlights the Media's Role in Democracy and the Promotion of Peace
Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, Mariano Assanami Sabino, stated that the media play a fundamental role in state-building in democratic countries such as Timor-Leste during the closing ceremony of the International Conference, The Dili Dialogue Forum (DDF) 2026, held on May 12th, 2026, in Dili, under the theme “The Role of the Media for a Future of Peace.” 
In his remarks, the Vice Prime Minister called on media professionals to continue reflecting on the challenges facing the sector, to promote the exchange of ideas, and to seek solutions to the difficulties encountered in their profession.
Mariano Assanami Sabino acknowledged the challenges journalists face, including pay and working conditions, and highlighted media professionals' commitment to providing the public with credible information.
“I am well aware of the challenges journalists face. Despite these difficulties, they continue to workday and night to provide the public with reliable information. As Vice Prime Minister, in coordination with SECOMS, we will continue to support media professionals,” he said.
The Vice Prime Minister also encouraged the Timor-Leste Press Council to strengthen coordination with media outlets and to promote further training initiatives for journalists, considering technological changes and the challenges of the digital environment.
During the forum, it was emphasised that the media plays a role in promoting public debate, freedom of expression, and critical thinking, thereby contributing to the consolidation of democracy and to the public’s access to factual and credible information.
The recommendations presented at the conference included strengthening press freedom and freedom of expression, promoting ethical and investigative journalism, combating misinformation and sensationalism, and developing guidelines for peace journalism in Timor-Leste.
The participants also called for the continuation of training programmes for national journalists, through cooperation among the Press Council, state institutions, international organisations, development partners, and professional associations.
Organised by the Timor-Leste Press Council, the Dili Dialogue Forum has been held since 2017 as a platform for sharing experiences on the challenges and development of Timor-Leste's media sector and the broader Southeast Asian media landscape.
The eighth edition of the forum brought together representatives from media outlets, journalists, editors, university students, members of the Press Council, representatives of international organisations, and other national and international entities.
The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice, Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan,” opened the conference, which featured presentations by national and international guests on the media’s role in promoting peace, human rights, and democracy
