DILI, 07 July 2025 (TATOLI) – Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, has emphasized that the people must be at the center of national development, underscoring the importance of education, social inclusion, and cohesion as fundamental pillars for building the country.
He made the remarks during a national seminar themed “Statehood and Strategic Vision for National Development,” Tatoli News Agency in partnership with the Oriental University of Timor Lorosa’e (UNITAL) to mark Tatoli’s 9th anniversary, celebrated annually on July 27.
The event brought together key figures including the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Ximenes, Tatoli Board Chairman Noémio Falcão, UNITAL Rector Claudino Ninas Nabais, and university students.
In his speech, Assanami said that building a strong nation depends on keeping the peace. He added that this is a shared responsibility that helps maintain stability, support democracy, and respect human rights.
He said that as a democratic nation, the country should focus on improving people’s lives. He emphasized that communities must take part in development and that it’s important to protect human rights, promote equality, and make sure everyone is included.
Assanami also recalled that the strategic vision for state-building was first outlined in the 2002 National Development Plan and later reinforced by the 2011–2030 Strategic Development Plan, which prioritizes human resource development in health, education, and social cohesion.
He further highlighted the need to invest in youth as the driving force of national progress by improving higher education, revitalizing agriculture, tourism, petroleum, and mineral sectors, and expanding basic infrastructure such as roads, clean water, electricity, and telecommunications.
Meanwhile, Expedito Ximenes praised the partnership between Tatoli and UNITAL as a model of “fruitful collaboration” between the media and education sectors, saying it demonstrates how joint efforts can inform, educate, and empower citizens on national issues.
Chairman of the Tatoli’s Board, Noémio Falcão announced that the seminar will become an annual initiative featuring diverse topics to connect government programs with students and stimulate critical debate on national development.
UNITAL Rector Claudino Nabais also expressed gratitude to Tatoli for choosing the university as the venue, giving students direct access to insights from national leaders.
The seminar concluded with the signing of a five-year institutional cooperation agreement between Tatoli and UNITAL, aimed at strengthening collaboration in media and academic training.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
