OpEd by Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Timor-Leste Country Representative and Berta Tilman, Youth Activist
Active, meaningful participation of children and young people is not only at the heart and centre of child rights; it is also part of development, identity building, and nation building. At UNICEF, we are committed to creating spaces for the voices of children and young people to be heard and to identifying opportunities for them to be active participants in finding solutions to the challenges they and their communities face.
Mana Berta is a great role model for this. She has been active in her community, in her country, and with UNICEF; a loud voice for bringing issues affecting young Timorese to the attention of decision-makers and for role-modelling possible solutions. She embodies the power of young people in the country and their passion and energy to help build a better Timor-Leste. Here, she takes us on the journey of her latest learning:
In April 2026, I participated in the Women Deliver Conference in Melbourne, Australia, as a young advocate from Timor-Leste. This experience became one of the most transformative moments of my leadership journey. The conference brought together over 6,000 participants from more than 170 countries, including youth, women, men, governments, civil society organizations, researchers, and activists committed to advancing gender equality and social justice.
Entering a space filled with global changemakers was both exciting and overwhelming. It was the first time I had been part of such a large international gathering. However, I quickly realized this was not only a place for experienced leaders but also for young people whose voices matter and are needed in global conversations.
One of the most important aspects of the conference was the UNICEF-supported youth safeguarding system, which created a safe and inclusive environment for young participants. This structure allowed me to feel secure, respected, and confident in engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing my thoughts without fear of judgment.
The most memorable moment for me was connecting with youth activists from different regions during informal conversations and networking sessions. We shared experiences on climate justice, education, disability inclusion, and gender equality. Despite coming from different backgrounds, we faced similar challenges, such as limited resources, limited opportunities, and being underestimated as young leaders. This moment made me realize that I am not alone on this journey and that youth across the world are facing similar struggles and hopes.
This experience significantly expanded my understanding of gender equality. I learned that gender equality is not an isolated issue but deeply interconnected with climate justice, health, education, economic empowerment, and peacebuilding. The discussions on climate justice were especially powerful, showing how vulnerable communities contribute the least to climate change yet suffer the most severe consequences.
As someone from Timor-Leste, a small island developing country, I found these discussions deeply personal and urgent. They strengthened my understanding that climate justice must include vulnerable nations and that young people from these contexts must be part of decision-making processes that shape our future.
One of the most impactful sessions I attended featured global leaders, including former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and representatives from the United Nations. However, the most powerful lessons came from grassroots leaders who work with very limited resources yet continue to create meaningful and lasting changes in their communities. Their resilience showed me that leadership is not defined by position or funding, but by commitment, consistency, and courage.
Connecting with delegates from different cultural, political, and social backgrounds deeply enriched my experience. Diversity became one of the greatest strengths of the conference. Every conversation challenged my assumptions, expanded my thinking, and helped me understand global issues from multiple perspectives. I learned that real progress happens when diverse voices come together with respect and shared purpose.
Throughout the conference, I experienced significant personal growth in confidence and identity. At first, I felt hesitant to speak in large group discussions. However, as the days passed, I gradually began to see myself not just as an observer, but as a contributor to global dialogue. I realized that my voice from Timor-Leste carries value and that my experiences matter in international spaces.
Another key reflection from this conference is that young people are not only the future but also the present. Across many sessions, I saw youth actively leading discussions, shaping agendas, and influencing change. However, meaningful youth participation must go beyond presence. It requires real decision-making power, trust, and long-term investment in young leaders.
After attending, I return home with renewed motivation and clarity of purpose. I am committed to strengthening youth engagement in my community, promoting awareness of climate justice, and amplifying grassroots voices that are often unheard in development spaces. I also want to create more opportunities for young people to participate in leadership and advocacy.
This was more than a conference. It was a reminder that meaningful change is possible when people come together with shared purpose, courage, and solidarity. It showed me that when women lead and youth are empowered, a better future is not only imagined but actively being built across the world.
Thank you, Mana Berta, for your energy, commitment and for your loud, loud voice. Never stop. Keep opening doors for other young people too. I encourage all policy makers, leaders, communities and Timorese to not only give young people a chance to participate, but to recognize and understand they are part of the solution, have energy and commitment and are ready to “serve”.
