DILI, 26 May 2026 (TATOLI) – The European Union officially launched the “OurTime / Ita-nia Tempu” campaign at Container Tais, Dili Institute of Business, bringing together government representatives, EU partners, youth leaders, artists, influencers, university students, and members of the media.
The campaign highlights real stories and real people across Timor-Leste, focusing on three key themes: agroforestry, civil rights, and connectivity.
To care for our land, our water, our future
Through real stories from Timorese communities, this theme explores how caring for land and water contribute to stronger and more resilient livelihoods.
It showcases local experiences linked to sustainable farming, agroforestry, and natural resource protection, as well as skills development programmes supporting young people and entrepreneurs.
It is also illustrates how farmers and producers are being supported to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, diversify income opportunities, and a better living for their families.
To make every voice count
This theme shares stories of Timorese people whose lives have been improved through greater access to opportunity, inclusion, and support, so every voice helps shape the future.
It reflects support to civil society organizations’ as actors of good governance and development, Free to be Yourself, empowering vulnerable children to claim their rights, and partnerships advancing women’s economic empowerment, alongside university exchanges, to school feeding initiatives that help children’s learning with the energy they need, these personal testimonies show how dignity, equality, and opportunity can open doors.
To connect people
This theme tells the stories of Timorese people whose daily lives have been improved through better connections to services, institutions, and opportunities.
It highlights improved rural connectivity that brings communities closer to markets and services, digitalisation initiatives that make municipal and judicial processes more accessible, and the development of sustainable and circular economy businesses that strengthen local value chains and opportunities for public officials to benefit from peer learning and international exchanges and strengthen transparency and good governance.
Through music, creativity, and lived experiences, the initiative aims to showcase positive change and strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Timor-Leste.
The launch featured inspiring campaign voices including musicians, artists, environmental advocates, and inclusion champions, reflecting the energy, talent, and aspirations of Timorese youth and communities.
EU Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Thorsten Bargfrede said the campaign is aimed at strengthening collective efforts to create positive change in the country.
“This is not just a campaign. This is OurTime, Ita-nia Tempu,” said Ambassador Bargfrede.
Ego Lemos, the well-known Timorese environmental activist, said the campaign promoting agroforestry and water conservation in Timor-Leste is crucial, adding that his involvement closely aligns with Permatil’s long-standing work in water conservation and tree-planting efforts across the country.
“We want to raise public awareness about the importance of planting more trees of different varieties to protect Timor-Leste’s water sources and soil, ensuring they remain sustainable and healthy for future generations,” Lemos said.
He said the campaign extends beyond reforestation and environmental protection, with the broader goal of encouraging greater public participation in safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
Lemos said the initiative is particularly aimed at engaging young people and students, helping build awareness that environmental protection is not the responsibility of a few groups alone, but a shared responsibility of all citizens.
TATOLI
