DILI, 22 january 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta, represented Timor-Leste at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026, contributing to a high-level dialogue on the “100 Million Farmers” initiative, which aims to transform global food systems.
Addressing an annual funding gap of US$350 billion for regenerative agriculture, the President emphasized that while food production currently accounts for 30% of global emissions, the solution requires more than just capital.
President Ramos-Horta called for a rapid transition to sustainable practices that restore biodiversity and protect freshwater reserves, positioning Timor-Leste as a proactive nation in the global movement for food security and climate resilience.
During his intervention, President Ramos-Horta challenged the international community to look beyond traditional financing, arguing that the true catalyst for transformation is the “entrepreneurial spirit.”
The President noted that while global capital is available, there is a critical shortage of “creative ideas” and innovative leadership for effective implementation at the grassroots level.
The President advocated for an innovative model in which farmers are treated as key economic actors, supported by a flexible set of financial incentives and the monetization of ecosystem services—such as carbon sequestration and soil health—to ensure that sustainable agriculture becomes a viable business for 100 million farmers worldwide.
The President emphasized that Timor-Leste’s model of collective management and community-led education, including successful local efforts to eliminate plastic waste, serves as a blueprint for global sustainability.
By combining innovative financial collaboration with local innovation, President Ramos-Horta reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to a nature-positive future that balances environmental restoration with economic prosperity.
TATOLI
