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On June 12^th, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by Minister of Public Works Samuel Marçal, inaugurated the new headquarters of the Timor-Leste Youth and Students Organisation (OJETIL) in Bidau Lecidere, Dili, and handed over the building’s keys to the organisation’s Secretary-General, José Manuel Fernandes “Nakfilak”.

The ceremony marked the official handover of the building, completed in 2018. It served as a tribute to the role of Timorese youth in the national liberation struggle and in the process of state-building and national development. 

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of youth organisations and argued that the new headquarters should serve as a space for dialogue and reflection on the country’s future.

“We may wear different colours, but we share a single goal: to develop Timor-Leste. We must stand united, and that is what keeps us from being divided,” said Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.

The Head of Government also emphasised that the building should convey the values and experiences of the Timorese resistance to future generations.

“This space will be dedicated to future generations, with a strong commitment to our country,” he said.

The Prime Minister also added that the space is intended not only to hold meetings but also to promote ideas and initiatives that contribute to national development.

“The process of building the state and the nation is neither at a standstill nor will it happen on its own. It is for the Timorese to make it a reality,” he emphasised.

The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, noted that the delay in the building’s completion was not due to construction-related issues but to differences of opinion among members of the organisation, which have since been resolved.

“I believe that today we are handing over this headquarters to OJETIL so that it may serve as a common home for everyone, particularly our comrades in the resistance who have organised themselves within OJETIL,” he said.

OJETIL Secretary-General José Manuel Fernandes “Nakfilak” noted that differences of opinion ultimately became an opportunity to strengthen the organisation and to establish a common space for former members of the resistance and for new generations.

“This space is not just for holding meetings but also for presenting alternative solutions for our country’s development,” he said.

José Manuel Fernandes also recalled a piece of advice given by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão to young people in the resistance, which continues to serve as a guiding principle for the organisation:

“Keep proclaiming that the struggle continues but focus on ways to develop this country and its people,” he reminded them.

OJETIL’s new headquarters is expected to incorporate citizenship education programmes and integrated agricultural development initiatives, as well as spaces to foster debate and present proposals for national development.

Several members of the 9th Constitutional Government attended the ceremony, including the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai; the Minister of Defence, Rear Admiral Donaciano da Costa Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”; and the Secretary of State for Media, Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes.

Former Prime Minister Rui Maria de Araújo, members of the National Parliament, veterans, and former combatants—including AlinLaek—were also present, as were members and representatives of OJETIL and other clandestine resistance organisations that participated in the resistance during the occupation.

OJETIL’s new headquarters aims to preserve the memory of Timorese youth’s participation in the struggle for independence and to serve as a space for education, debate, and civic engagement, supporting future generations and Timor-Leste’s development.

The Government, through the National Institute of Statistics of Timor-Leste (INETL, I.P. – acronym in Portuguese), under the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), today launched the Key Indicators of the Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey 2025–2026 (TLDHS) at a ceremony in the Auditorium of the Ministry of Finance in Dili.

The report presents updated data on demographic and health indicators and serves as an evidence base for public policy-making, programme development, and the monitoring of national progress in areas related to health and development. 

The ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Finance, Santina J.R.F. Viegas Cardoso, and attended by the President of INETL, I.P., Elias dos Santos Ferreira; the Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, Cooperation, and Development at the Ministry of Health, Florindo Pinto; the UNFPA Representative in Timor-Leste, Navchaa Suren; and representatives of development partners.

The 2025–2026 Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey was conducted between September 29^th, 2025, and January 31^st, 2026, covering a national sample of 12,880 households. This is the fourth survey of its kind since the restoration of independence, following surveys in 2003, 2009–2010, and 2016.

In her speech, the Minister of Finance said she was “proud to participate in the launch of the report on key indicators from the 2025–2026 Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey.” “This survey is the fourth conducted since our independence, following the studies from 2003, 2009/2010, and 2016.”

The minister stressed that the new data enable assessment of progress and identification of the challenges facing the health sector. “With the new data for 2025–26, we can compare health programmes, their outcomes, and the challenges that remain,” she said.

Among the results presented, the most notable is the decline in the national fertility rate to 3.4 children per woman, down from 4.2 in 2016 and 5.7 in 2009–2010. The report also shows a significant increase in the proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel, rising from 33% in 2009–2010 to 60% in 2016 and to 78% in 2025–2026.

Elias dos Santos Ferreira, President of INETL, I.P., noted that the survey results provide up-to-date data on fertility, mortality, reproductive health, maternal and child health, nutrition, and family planning, and serve as a reference for health policy planning.

Despite progress, the data reveal persistent challenges, particularly in malnutrition. The prevalence of chronic child malnutrition decreased from 58% in 2009–2010 to 46% in 2016 but remains at 45% in the 2025–2026 survey.

The Minister of Finance emphasised that “with accurate data, we can plan effectively. With accurate data, we can track the progress we have made and use it as a barometer to assess the implementation of plans that have a direct impact on the well-being of the people of Timor-Leste.”

The minister added that “reliable data is the foundation of sound policy. Data not only strengthens our ability to target development programmes effectively but also ensures that the Government’s decisions are based on the best available evidence.”

The UNFPA Representative in Timor-Leste, Navchaa Suren, highlighted the Government of Timor-Leste’s role in conducting the survey and stated: “I would like to commend the leadership and commitment of the National Statistics Institute and the Ministry of Health to the successful implementation of this survey. I would also like to acknowledge the substantial financial support and oversight provided by the Ministry of Finance, which were critical to the timely completion of the survey, particularly in addressing funding gaps that arose during its implementation.”

Navchaa Suren also emphasised that the newly released results provide relevant information on maternal and child health, fertility, infant mortality, family planning, nutrition, and early childhood development, enabling identification of areas where progress has been made and those that require further effort.

The 2025–2026 Timor-Leste Demographic and Health Survey was conducted by INETL, I.P., in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, with technical assistance from ICF through the DHS Program. The government provided most of the funding for the survey, supplemented by contributions from UNFPA, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Bank.

The report, now released, provides an initial overview of the survey’s findings. The final report, which will include more detailed thematic analyses, is scheduled for publication in September 2026, followed by efforts to disseminate the results at the municipal level to support nationwide planning and budgeting.

 

Nino Konis Santana National Park was officially designated Timor-Leste’s first Biosphere Reserve at the 38th session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere (ICC-MAB) Programme, held in Hernandarias, Paraguay, from June 3^rd to 6^th, 2026. The Timorese delegation was led by Fernandino Vieira da Costa, Secretary of State for Forests, representing the Government of Timor-Leste.

With this decision, the Nino Konis Santana Biosphere Reserve has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, marking a milestone in nature conservation and in the international recognition of Timor-Leste’s natural heritage.

In his speech to the members of the Man and the Biosphere Programme Council, the Secretary of State for Forests thanked UNESCO and its partners for their support throughout the application process and emphasised that this designation is “a testament to Timor-Leste’s firm commitment to the protection of biodiversity, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the promotion of development that harmonises nature with the lives of local communities.”

The Secretary of State also emphasised that “the active involvement of local communities in the management of natural resources is the cornerstone of long-term sustainability” and advocated integrating traditional knowledge and cultural heritage into modern conservation practices.

Located in the municipality of Lautém, the Nino Konis Santana Biosphere Reserve encompasses terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems, including tropical forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, within the Coral Triangle, one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions. The area also holds significant cultural heritage and reflects the historical relationship between local communities and the environment.

According to UNESCO, the classification is the result of cooperation between the Government of Timor-Leste, the National Commission of Timor-Leste for UNESCO, the Municipality of Lautém, and the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, with support from the Government of Japan for baseline studies and technical analyses.

Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta and Representative to Timor-Leste, said that this designation “is a moment of pride for Timor-Leste” and recognises the efforts of national authorities, local communities, and partners to protect biodiversity, promote sustainable livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage. 

During his visit to Paraguay, the Secretary of State for Forests also took part in technical, and exchange visits organised by UNESCO to the Itaipu Biosphere Reserve and the Tekotopa Environmental Centre, which were aimed at sharing experiences in biodiversity conservation, scientific research, environmental education, and sustainable development.

The inclusion of Nino Konis Santana National Park in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves creates new opportunities for international cooperation, scientific research, sustainable tourism, and climate change adaptation, reinforcing Timor-Leste’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

A public call for applications is now open for the awarding of scholarships in the justice sector for the pursuit of master’s and doctoral degrees in Legal Sciences at Portuguese higher education institutions, pursuant to Article 2(a) and Article 15 of Decree-Law No. 20/2024 of April 17, which establishes the special scholarship program for the justice sector.

Read the full details at the following link or under the “Announcements” tab: Recruitment (available in Portuguese only)

https://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AN%C3%9ANCIO-P%C3%9ABLICO1.pdf

A public call for applications is now open for the awarding of scholarships in the justice sector for the pursuit of master’s and doctoral degrees in Legal Sciences at Portuguese higher education institutions, pursuant to Article 2(a) and Article 15 of Decree-Law No. 20/2024 of April 17, which establishes the special scholarship program for the justice sector.

See the attachment for the full information

https://timor-leste.gov.tl/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AN%C3%9ANCIO-P%C3%9ABLICO1.pdf

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão departed today, June 15^th, for an official visit to the Russian Federation, where he will participate in the 2026 ASEAN-Russia Summit, to be held in Kazan on June 17^th and 18^th, as part of celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of relations between the Association of Southeast Asia (ASEAN) and Russia.

The summit brings together the leaders of ASEAN member states, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between ASEAN and Russia and to explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. 

During the meeting, the heads of state and government will address issues including regional and international security, trade and investment, energy, education, technology, public health, connectivity, infrastructure, and cultural exchange. The leaders will also discuss ways to deepen political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation between ASEAN and Russia.

On the sidelines of the summit, the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum will be held on June 17^th, bringing together business representatives to promote opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The ASEAN Secretary-General will also attend this meeting, which is dedicated to strengthening economic and business relations between ASEAN and the Russian Federation.

The programme also includes sessions and roundtables focused on relations between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Union, with an emphasis on areas such as health, energy, industry, digital development, artificial intelligence, food security, logistics, and transport.

The ASEAN-Russia Summit serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation between Southeast Asia and the Russian Federation, marking 35 years of relations between the two sides.

 

Between June 10^th and 12^th, 2026, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa; the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro; and the Vice Minister of Infrastructure, Júlio do Carmo, participated in Macau in the 17th International Forum and Exhibition on Investment and Infrastructure Construction and the 12th Forum on Infrastructure Cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries, to promote investment opportunities and strengthen cooperation in sectors strategic to the development of Timor-Leste.

During the meetings, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment outlined the country’s infrastructure priorities, including the maintenance and improvement of water supply, sanitation, and digital connectivity systems. Speaking to the press, Gastão Francisco de Sousa emphasised that Timor-Leste seeks to establish partnerships and attract investment to meet national needs, highlighting Macau’s role as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro, spoke on a panel at the 12th Forum on Infrastructure Cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries, which focused on new opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence. In his remarks, he outlined Timor-Leste’s priorities for developing the oil, gas, and minerals sector and highlighted the Tasi Mane project as one of the country’s key infrastructure initiatives.

Throughout their visit to Macau, members of the Government also met with investors and financial institutions from China, the Greater Bay Area, and Portuguese-speaking countries to attract investment in sectors such as transport, energy, telecommunications, and natural resource development. During this visit, the members of the Government were accompanied by António Ramos da Silva, the Delegate of Timor-Leste to the Permanent Secretariat of Forum Macau.

On the sidelines of the forums, the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Human Capital Development Fund (FDCH – acronym in Portuguese) and the University of St. Joseph in Macau to facilitate Timorese students’ access to scholarships at the institution. The agreement, signed by FDCH Executive Director Júlio Aparício and University of São José Vice-Rector Alexandre Lobo, provides for the implementation, starting in 2027, of training programmes in fields such as science and technology, agriculture, health, and engineering.

On that occasion, Gastão Francisco de Sousa stated that the cooperation between Timor-Leste and the University of São José “is not just about technical assistance,” but also an opportunity to strengthen the historical ties between Timor-Leste and Macau and to create new opportunities for future generations of Timorese students.

The forums brought together more than 3,500 participants from over 70 countries and regions and served as a platform for dialogue among governments, businesses, financial institutions, and research centres, promoting international cooperation in infrastructure, technological innovation, and sustainable development.

 

Timor-Leste saw a significant improvement in the 2026 Global Peace Index (GPI), compiled by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), moving from 44th to 32nd place among the 163 countries and territories assessed. Timor-Leste achieved a score of 1.681, consolidating its status as a highly peaceful country. 

The report assesses peace and security levels using 23 indicators grouped into three dimensions: societal safety and security, the presence of internal and external conflicts, and the degree of militarisation. Although the study indicates that global peace continues to deteriorate, Timor-Leste has made progress, rising 12 places compared with the previous year.

In the Asia-Pacific region, which comprises 19 countries, Timor-Leste ranks sixth, placing it among the region’s most peaceful countries. New Zealand remains the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region, while Myanmar continues to have the lowest ranking in the region. Among ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste ranks as the third most peaceful, behind only Singapore and Malaysia.

Since regaining its independence, Timor-Leste has been working to strengthen its democratic institutions, promote dialogue, and consolidate peace—efforts consistently recognised in international assessments.

The results of the 2026 Global Peace Index confirm Timor-Leste’s standing as one of the most peaceful countries in the Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia regions.