DILI, 04 December 2025 (TATOLI) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEK), Bendito Freitas, announced that Timor-Leste is proud to assume the presidency of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) for the 2026–2028 term, which will be formalized next year.
“In January 2026, representatives from more than 20 nations will formally hand over the presidency here in Timor-Leste. We must take pride in this achievement, as it places our country at the forefront,” he stated today in the National Parliament.
This marks another historic moment for Timor-Leste on the global stage, as the country officially received the presidency of the LDC Group during the coordination plenary at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The handover ceremony took place on November 17, 2025, with Ambassador Adão Soares Barbosa designated to serve as President of the LDC Group under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for the 2026–2028 period.
Timor-Leste will formally begin its presidency in January 2026. This milestone positions the country at the forefront of global climate diplomacy within the United Nations, leading and representing the 44 LDC nations most vulnerable to climate change in international negotiations.
Role of the LDC presidency
The President of the LDC Group leads negotiations within the UNFCCC framework, coordinates strategic positions, and presents unified stances on key issues such as adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, technology transfer, capacity building, and ensuring that LDC priorities are reflected in global climate decisions.
Ambassador Adão Barbosa brings nearly two decades of experience in UNFCCC negotiations. He currently serves as Special Envoy and Ambassador-at-Large for Climate Affairs. Over the years, he has held key roles including LDC Coordinator for Loss and Damage, Chair of the LDC Expert Group, member of the Loss and Damage Fund Board, former member of the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM), and former member of the Adaptation Fund Board. His leadership and expertise are widely recognized in the global climate community.
During the handover ceremony, outgoing President Evans Njewa of Malawi was commended for his dedicated service to the LDC Group. Ambassador Barbosa reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to lead with integrity and determination, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger action on adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, capacity building, and a just transition –ensuring that no nation is left behind.
A critical moment in global climate action
COP30, held in Belém, Brazil, in the heart of the Amazon region, comes at a pivotal time as the world prepares for major implementation decisions under the Paris Agreement.
Timor-Leste’s leadership of the LDC Group not only amplifies the nation’s voice in global climate forums but also strengthens national capacity in climate diplomacy. It opens new opportunities for Timorese experts, youth, and institutions to contribute to global climate action.
This achievement stands as a source of great pride for the people of Timor-Leste and reinforces the country’s role and responsibility in advancing climate justice and resilience for the world’s most vulnerable nations.
Journalist: Nelson de Sousa
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
