Struggle of Timor-Leste for Justice and Sustainability: Highlights of the Speech at the UN

This is a solemn moment, esteemed delegates, where I am honored to represent Timor-Leste in the United Nations General Assembly session. Allow me, first and foremost, to express my gratitude for the trust placed in me as a guardian of democracy in Timor-Leste.

I would like to begin by congratulating Your Excellencies on your election as the president of the 70th session of the General Assembly. I am confident that your leadership will guide this session excellently. I also want to extend congratulations to your predecessor, Her Excellency Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, for the way she led during her tenure.

I also want to thank Secretary-General António Guterres for convening the Climate Action Summit, which brought global attention to the humanitarian crisis caused by climate change. As a developing island nation, Timor-Leste faces the devastating impacts of climate change, affecting our coastal populations and agriculture.

We acknowledge the importance of environmental preservation and are committed to promoting policies for climate mitigation and adaptation, including the development of renewable energy and sustainable resource management.

Regarding the Sustainable Development Goals, Timor-Leste is committed to achieving the targets set in the Agenda 2030. However, we are aware that there is still a long journey ahead, especially in reducing inequality and promoting gender equality.

We are committed to strengthening our institutions and promoting the Rule of Law, ensuring women’s participation in politics, and combating gender-based violence. Recently, we have signed an agreement with Australia to resolve maritime border issues, demonstrating our commitment to peace and regional cooperation.

Furthermore, we are committed to strengthening our partnership with the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and contributing to the promotion of Portuguese as an official language of the UN.

In this context, Timor-Leste remains an example in conflict resolution and peace preservation and Rule of Law. However, we recognize the new challenges we face and are committed to facing them with determination and solidarity.

In closing, I would like to reiterate our commitment to the principles and objectives of the UN and express our gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this session. May we work together to achieve a fairer, more peaceful, and sustainable world for all.

Thank you.