On September 22nd, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, took part in a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, dedicated to global policies to combat climate change. The event, a working lunch, was co-organized by the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, and the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, and brought together several world leaders to discuss climate strategies and strengthening international cooperation. 
In his speech, Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas highlighted the vulnerability of Timor-Leste, a small island state, to climate change and stressed the urgent need for robust international climate policies and effective global governance mechanisms. “Climate change represents an existential threat to our environment, economy and community. We advocate for inclusive and equitable climate policies that ensure the voices of vulnerable nations are heard in global discussions,” said the Minister. 
Timor-Leste, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, reaffirms its commitment to mitigating climate impacts while promoting sustainable economic growth. The Governor emphasized the importance of integrating renewable energy sources and adopting resilience measures in national development plans, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
The Foreign Minister also called for “strengthening international cooperation and financing mechanisms to support climate initiatives in developing nations”, stressing the need to “facilitate technology transfer and capacity building to empower local communities in their efforts to adapt and thrive in the face of climate challenges”. 
In closing, Bendito dos Santos Freitas reiterated Timor-Leste’s willingness to “collaborate with other nations to forge innovative, inclusive and effective climate policies that address immediate and long-term challenges”, stressing that “our future depends on collective action and shared responsibility to safeguard our planet for future generations”.