DILI, 05 June 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic and Nobel Peace Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta, on Friday bestowed the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste upon Stefania Dina, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Timor-Leste. The award ceremony and farewell reception were held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace.
The Order of Timor-Leste is the nation’s highest honor, bestowed upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the country. Dina received this honor under the Decree of the President of the Republic No.63/2026, in recognition of her exceptional service and impactful development partnerships during her mission in Timor-Leste.
Stefania Dina with more than 20 years of international development experience, has concluded her assignment as Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Timor-Leste Resident Mission, a role she assumed in July 2023. Dina has been with ADB for over a decade, bringing extensive expertise in agriculture, natural resources, and environment. Prior to her posting in Timor-Leste, she led this portfolio at ADB’s Viet Nam Resident Mission and was part of the organizational review team and transformation office, where she helped shape ADB’s new operating model. She also held positions in the Southeast Asia Department and the Myanmar Resident Mission. Before joining ADB, Dina was Country Manager at the United Nations’ International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Lao PDR and Africa, worked at the European Commission, and gained private sector experience at Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH).
During her tenure in Timor-Leste, Dina oversaw significant progress in strengthening the country’s development agenda. Under her leadership, ADB intensified support for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, while advancing major infrastructure projects including the expansion of Dili Airport, rehabilitation of roads, and investment in solar power in Manatuto. She also championed initiatives in water supply, vocational training, social protection, health, and private sector development. Dina worked to build trust with government counterparts and development partners, reinforcing ADB’s role as a reliable partner in Timor-Leste’s growth. She also oversaw the renovation of Resident Mission office of ADB in Timor-Leste, enhancing its visibility and functionality as a hub for collaboration. Her leadership has left a lasting impact, strengthening institutions, expanding opportunities for investment, and supporting Timor-Leste’s path toward regional integration and sustainable development.
President Ramos-Horta praised Dina’s whose tenure in Timor-Leste has been marked not only by professional excellence, but also by a deep respect for the Timorese people, their aspirations, and their future.
The President stated: “On behalf of the people of Timor-Leste, I express our deepest gratitude for your service, friendship, and unwavering commitment to our development journey. Under your leadership, the Asian Development Bank has worked closely with our ministries, local authorities, civil society and the private sector to support programs that truly matter to our people. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the partnership between Timor-Leste and the ADB in the years ahead, and to building on the solid foundations you have helped to lay. As you prepare to close this chapter, we take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation and sincere wishes for your continued success. May this honor serve as a symbol of our appreciation and as a lasting bond between you and the people of Timor-Leste.”
Stefania Dina will conclude her official mission as Country Director of the Asian Development Bank in Timor-Leste on 8 June 2026. She will assume a new role as ADB Director for Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, based in Manila, Philippines.
TATOLI
