DILI, 24 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste highlighted the challenging global context marked by geopolitical shifts and the intensifying climate crisis, which directly affect vulnerable nations at the 2026 ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development follow-up (FfD Forum).
In his intervention, Permanent Representative of Timor- Leste to the UN, Ambassador Dionisio Babo Soares emphasized the importance of stable and predictable development financing, expressing concern over fluctuating Official Development Assistance (ODA).
“While welcoming international cooperation efforts like the “Compromiso de Sevilla,” Timor-Leste stressed that consistent support is essential to achieve resilience and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Ambassador Soares said in a statement.
At the national level, He said that Timor-Leste is pursuing economic transformation to reduce reliance on oil and gas by diversifying its economy through its Integrated National Financing Framework.
The Ambassador stressed that the Government of Timor-Leste is working to mobilize both public and private resources and views development aid not as short-term relief, but as a strategic tool to build long-term, self-sustaining growth—strengthening trade, productivity, and domestic revenue systems.
“Timor-Leste called for reforms in global financial systems, focusing on three priorities: better access to concessional finance based on vulnerability (not just income), restructuring global debt systems to support long-term resilience, and ensuring that climate and biodiversity funding adds to rather than replaces traditional aid,” he said.
Ambassador Soares concluded by emphasizing that meaningful progress depends on fair global partnerships and effective implementation of commitments to support the most vulnerable nations.
TATOLI
