DILI, 06 October 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri will receive the Excellence Award at the 9th Lusophony Awards Gala on October 11th, starting at 9:30 pm, an event promoted by the International Association of Portuguese-Speaking Communities (CLPI).
Lusophony Awards, launched in 2017, celebrate individuals from Portuguese-speaking countries who have made outstanding contributions to arts, culture, education, diplomacy, and public life.
The Award recognises figures whose leadership and achievements have had significant national and international impact.
“The awarding of the 2025 Lusophone Excellence Award to Mari Alkatiri represents a moment of great significance and justice for the Lusophone world,” said in a satement.
Alkatiri, a law graduate from Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique, served as Timor-Leste’s first Prime Minister from 2002 to 2006 and again in 2017–2018. He has led the Revolutionary Front for an Independent Timor-Leste (FRETILIN) party since 2001 and was decorated with Portugal’s Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry in 2006.
Alkatiri is one of the founders of the nation and a leading architect of Timor-Leste’s resistance and state-building,” noting his commitment to national unity, sustainable development, and inclusive democracy.
In the same category, Lopo Fortunato Ferreira do Nascimento of Angola will also be recognised for his leadership as the country’s first head of government.
Other honourees include Murade Murargy of Mozambique for his diplomatic career, Pedro Calado of Portugal for civic engagement, the Oriente Foundation for promoting the Portuguese language, and Yola Semedo of Angola for her contribution to global music.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
