DILI, 04 December 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste will assume the chairmanship of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Group from 2026 to 2028, marking a major milestone in the country’s growing role in global climate diplomacy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas announced the appointment during a session of the National Parliament. He said that delegates from more than 20 countries are expected to arrive in Dili in January 2026 for the official handover ceremony, adding that the achievement should inspire national pride and continued progress.
Timor-Leste was officially selected to lead the LDC Group during its coordination plenary session held on the sidelines of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The transfer of the presidency took place on 17 November 2025, with Ambassador for Climate Affairs Adão Soares Barbosa appointed as Chair for the 2026–2028 term.
The role places Timor-Leste at the forefront of global climate negotiations, where it will represent and coordinate the interests of 44 countries considered the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. As Chair, Ambassador Barbosa will guide the Group’s positions on key issues such as adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, technology transfer, capacity building, and global decision-making under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Ambassador Barbosa brings nearly 20 years of experience in UNFCCC negotiations. His extensive background includes serving as LDC coordinator for loss and damage, Chair of the Group of Experts, member of the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund, member of the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism, and member of the Adaptation Fund Board. His leadership has earned broad recognition across the international climate community.
He reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to lead the Group with integrity and determination, stressing the urgent need for more ambitious climate action and a just transition that ensures no vulnerable country is left behind.
Timor-Leste’s leadership comes at a critical moment as global negotiators advance efforts to implement the Paris Agreement. The appointment strengthens the nation’s voice on the global stage and bolsters domestic capacity in climate diplomacy, creating new opportunities for Timorese institutions, young professionals, and experts to contribute to international climate action.
The Government said the milestone represents a profound source of pride for the Timorese people and reinforces the country’s role in promoting climate justice and resilience for the world’s most vulnerable nations.
TATOLI
