Government of Timor-Leste

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and

Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste

Díli, March 27, 2010

Global development expert Professor Jeffrey Sachs visits Timor-Leste

One of the world’s most renowned economists and global development experts, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, will be visiting Timor-Leste by the invitation of the Minister of Finance, H.E. Emilia Pires from Saturday, 27 March 2010 until Thursday, 1 April 2010.

Considered to be the leading international economic advisor of his generation, Professor Sachs has pioneered innovative approaches to economic development, poverty alleviation and enlightened globalization.

During his visit to Timor-Leste Professor Sachs will attend high level meetings with state institutions, the United Nations, donors, civil society and academia; sharing his analysis, expertise and experience while providing valuable insight on development and in particular, the path for Timor-Leste.

Author, advisor and Professor to some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, Sachs was the former Director of the United Nations Millennium Project, Millennium Development Goals, serves as a special advisor to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and was lauded by US Time Magazine as one of “the 100 most influential people in the world” (2004 and 2005 editions). Two of his books, The End of Poverty; Economic Possibilities for Our Time and Common Wealth; Economics for a Crowded Planet were New York Times Best Sellers.

Secretary of State Pereira said Professor Sachs was a welcome and honored guest to Timor-Leste, “Mr. Sachs has been an articulate and vocal champion for the developing world, dedicating his work and livelihood to the betterment of humanity and the world’s most vulnerable citizens.’

‘ We welcome his recommendations, views and unique perspective on development and how it can effectively be translated to improve our understandings on the development of Timor-Leste.”