DILI, 19 september 2024 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste hosted the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum (ACSC/APF) 2024, themed “Toward A People-Led Democracy and Sovereignty in Southeast Asia.
The conference scheduled to take place from september 19-21 in Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili.
The conference marked the forum’s 20th anniversary and coincides with Timor-Leste’s 50-year national struggle and its anticipated ASEAN membership.
The event gathers regional civil society organizations to discuss pressing issues in Southeast Asia.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Republic, José Ramos Horta, highlighted the importance of this conference in preparing the country for ASEAN membership.
“We must continue to ensure peace and stability in Timor-Leste, and prevent armed conflicts and civil wars like in Myanmar,” said the Head of State, in Becora, Dili.
He said it’s also necessary for ASEAN civil society to discuss economic development in order to create job opportunities for young people and reduce poverty.
The head of the Organizing Committee, Elisabeth de Araújo, said that the discussions during the three-day conference focused on workers’ rights, neoliberalism, and alternative regionalism, violence in countries with military regimes, the rise of digital authoritarianism, and internet freedom, the ecological crisis, and environmental, agricultural and urban planning law.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
