DILI, 18 january 2025 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic, Jose Ramos embarked on a work visit to Davos Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, from january 20-24, 2025.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting this year with the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” convenes global leaders to address key global and regional challenge. Attending at the invitation and as a special guest of Professor Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the WEF, the President Ramos-Horta said “this is a theme that is significant to Timor-Leste given our young population that will embrace and adapt to ever changing technology including the emergence of Artificial Intelligence.” The forum also focuses on geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards and stewarding a just and inclusive energy transition.
During his visit, President Ramos-Horta will participate in several high-level sessions focused on regional cooperation, peace, and sustainable development.
A highlight will be his participation in the session “ASEAN’s Journey Towards Unity: Lessons in Diplomacy and Regional Collaboration,” focusing on how ASEAN’s unique approach to diplomacy and multilateral cooperation fosters unity amid diversity, while driving sustainable development, inclusive growth in the increasingly polarizing views and tensions of between the superpowers. In this session the President will deliver remarks on ASEAN’s role in the world, alongside other distinguished speakers and participants.
The President will also contribute his insights at the “Navigating Asia’s Hotspots” session, addressing regional security dynamics and economic implications in the Asia-Pacific region. This public session will be livestreamed, featuring discussions on avoiding escalation amid shifting power balances and territorial complexities.
As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, President Ramos-Horta will share his experiences at a special dinner with fellow Nobel Laureates, including Professor Ardem Patapoutian and Muhammad Yunus, in the presence of Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and King Letsie III of Lesotho.
The President will also participate in the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL) lunch, focusing on preventing global non-cooperation from becoming the new status quo.
During his stay in Davos, President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with key international figures, including ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, to discuss Timor-Leste’s path to full ASEAN membership.
The President’s participation at the World Economic Forum underscores Timor-Leste’s commitment to international dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges and advancing regional integration.
TATOLI