On May 21st, 2026, Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs Mariano Assanami Sabino attended the opening ceremony of the Literacy Festival at the Chega! National Centre in Dili, where he emphasised the importance of reading and writing for the education of young Timorese. 
In his opening remarks at the event, Mariano Assanami Sabino said that promoting reading remains essential in an era of rapid technological change and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
“Reading helps us understand our history, learn from the past, and apply important values to the new realities we face,” he said.
The Vice Prime Minister also warned of the risks of excessive reliance on digital technologies, noting that the indiscriminate use of artificial intelligence could diminish the capacity for critical thinking and individual effort.
“Reading must remain the foundation of our identity, culture, and character,” he added.
The Literacy Festival aims to foster an interest in reading, writing, and intellectual debate by promoting learning and critical thinking habits among young people and the wider community.
This initiative comes at a time when Timor-Leste is stepping up its efforts to improve the educational attainment and skills of its young people, in preparation for more active participation in regional and international forums, including ASEAN, the CPLP, the g7+, and the World Trade Organisation.