Investing in Peace: Timor-Leste’s Journey towards Conflict Prevention
New York, 13 March 2024 – In its statement during the UNSC Open Debate on promoting conflict prevention, Timor-Leste emphasized that it has learned firsthand the significant costs, both financial and in terms of human suffering, associated with conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. These costs far outweigh investments in conflict prevention. Consequently, since gaining independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has prioritized peacebuilding and conflict prevention. It has developed numerous programs, policies, and legal frameworks aimed at promoting conflict prevention to attain “post-conflict stability.”
Timor-Leste has actively engaged with the ASEAN Regional Forum to contribute to peace and security in the region. Additionally, it has collaborated within the g7+ group of Fragile States to collectively advocate for more effective approaches to supporting conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and sustaining peace efforts.
The responsibility for conflict prevention primarily rests with states, and effective national leadership is crucial. However, partnerships with regional and global actors play a vital role in facilitating better linkages between national, regional, and international conflict prevention endeavors.