DILI, 04 September 2025 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic José Ramos-Horta, through the Political Support Service (SAPO), hosted a National Seminar on Tuesday (September 2) at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace. The seminar, held under the theme “The Role of the New Generation in National Development: Continuing the Legacy,” aimed to foster patriotism, strengthen national unity, and cultivate statesmanship among youth to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all Timorese.
In his opening remarks, President Ramos-Horta emphasized the shared responsibilities between the state and its youth. “The obligation of the state is to create the conditions for our young people to study. It is the obligation of every young person to study, to be the best, so that you can contribute to this country and make your families and communities proud,” he stated.
Discussions throughout the seminar underscored the state’s role in guiding and empowering youth as key drivers of national progress – especially in an era marked by rapid technological advancement, such as the rise of artificial intelligence, and significant geopolitical shifts following Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão delivered a keynote address under the sub-theme “Forging Future Leaders: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities.”
He urged the new generation to become active architects of the nation’s future, stating: “We won the war because of the people’s will. To be a citizen, you must have a vision for the future. The land is in your hands; love each other, do not divide each other. I urge a mental revolution where our youth move beyond knowledge alone to develop self-initiative, transform innovative ideas into reality, and constantly ask themselves what they can do for this country. True trust is earned from the people, not given by the government, and a true leader must use power fairly and responsibly.”
The morning session featured a distinguished panel with insights from Dr. Benjamin Corte Real, academic, and Prof. Dr. Joel da Costa Pinto, OFM, Rector of the Catholic University of Timor (UCT), followed by an engaging Q&A session with participants.
In the afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister II and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, Eng. Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, delivered a keynote address under the sub-theme “Unity of Purpose: Collaborative Leadership for National Development, Patriotism, and Democratic Citizenship.”
Deputy Prime Minister Assanami stated, “We must honor the legacy of our heroes by continuing their values. This means embracing a new model of collaborative leadership for our future –one dedicated to protecting our environment, fostering a harmonious society, and building strong, enduring relations with our neighbors.”
His address was followed by a panel featuring Helder Lopes, Governor of the Central Bank of Timor-Leste, and Fidelis Magalhães, Founder of MOTIVA and IPIA.
Moderated by Alexandrino Xavier Araújo, Coordinator of SAPO, the seminar brought together a diverse audience from government, justice and defense sectors, academia, student groups, the patriotic generation, youth organizations, and NGOs.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for Timor-Leste’s new generation to honor the legacy of the nation’s heroes by avoiding future conflict and becoming a primary partner of the state. Through its presentations, the seminar aimed to instill hope and prepare youth to strengthen the nation’s future by developing resources and engaging in reconciliation-positioning them to receive the baton from the older generation and lead the country forward with responsibility and vision.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
