DILI, 21 April 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste on Tuesday launched the acceleration phase of the third edition of the Futuru Líder Ba ASEAN (FLBA) program, bringing together 120 participants for an intensive three-day training focused on leadership development and regional integration.
The program, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Dili, aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of the ASEAN institutional framework and Timor-Leste’s priorities as a full member of the regional bloc.
On the first day, participants attended plenary sessions and thematic workshops designed to enhance leadership skills and deepen knowledge of ASEAN’s institutional architecture and development agenda. The sessions were led by Oliver Crocco, an international expert in leadership and human resource development affiliated with Louisiana State University and Chulalongkorn University.
Over the following two days, the program is set to focus on sustainability and responsible economic growth within the ASEAN context. Speakers include Anjulie A. Razak, David Freedman of the World Bank Group, and Maria Esperanza F. Alconcel, a specialist in international trade policy and ASEAN economic integration.
The acceleration program forms part of the third edition of FLBA, a 12-month training initiative led by Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas and coordinated by Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel.
The initiative is designed to prepare young Timorese professionals for active participation in ASEAN structures and processes, while strengthening national capacity for regional integration.
Since its launch in 2024, the FLBA program has trained young leaders from across sectors and municipalities, supporting the government’s broader goal of developing skilled human resources to advance Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration and its preparation for the bloc’s presidency in 2029.
The acceleration program runs until April 23 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
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