DILI, 04 february 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC), on tuesday, launched the Second Cohort of the Futuru Líder ba ASEAN program (FLBA – ASEAN Future Leaders).
“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you today to officially launch our second cohort of 110 new participants,” said Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister, Bendito Freitas at the launch ceremony, at the MoFAC’s office, in Dili.
He said that the occasion marked a significant contribution in Timor-Leste’s journey towards ASEAN integration and nation-building.
On the occasion of the launch of the programs first edition, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stressed that “Timor-Leste’s development is dependent, more than ever, on our human resources and the empowerment of our human potential. That is why we are investing in the next generation of leaders.”
The Prime Minister also expressed his belief that ‘investing in future leaders will help Timor-Leste to face global challenges better, promote innovation and contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future’.
Minister Freitas explained that Timor-Leste’s national policy regarding youth development programs, primarily outlined in the “National Youth Policy,” focuses on recognizing young people as vital resources for the country’s socioeconomic future, emphasizing investment in their health, education, economic empowerment, civic participation, and addressing issues like violence and crime, aiming to develop them into active and responsible citizens through initiatives like leadership training and youth centers across the nation.
Freitas urged the participants of the Second Cohort to embrace this opportunity with open minds and willingness to learn from other nations: “During your time in the FLBA, I encourage you to learn, connect, and forge lasting cooperation with the ASEAN countries you visit.”
Graduation of the First Cohort of the Futuru Líder ba ASEAN program
Minister Freitas congratulated the graduates of the First Cohort of the Futuru Líder ba ASEAN program: “To our graduating first cohort, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your commitment, hard work, and positive attitude to the future have been truly inspiring to our current generation of leaders. You have set ambitious goals for our country I can see that you have already begun to contribute to our nation’s strategic development through your innovative action learning projects.”
During the celebration, the completion certificates were also awarded to the 68 participants who successfully completed the first edition of the program over the past year.
“As we welcome our second cohort, I am filled with optimism for the future of Timor-Leste. You, the new FLBA leaders are embarking on a transformative journey that will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to lead our nation into a new era of regional cooperation and global engagement,” he said.
He said that as Timor-Leste is in its final stages of ASEAN membership, the importance of the FLBA becomes even more crucial in “reassuring our neighbours that our next generation of leaders will make them proud in accepting Timor-Leste as a full member. You are the bridge-builders, the innovators, and the diplomats of our nation’s future within ASEAN and beyond.”
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs and Minister for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, the Minister for Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, the Minister for Youth, Sport, Art and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento and representatives of the diplomatic corps.
TATOLI
