President Ramos-Horta champions AI Education for youth and calls for enhanced disaster resilience
DÍLI, 19 August 2026 (TATOLI) – President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, reaffirmed his strong belief in the potential of Timorese youth to drive the nation’s technological future during the international seminar on “AI and Creativity” at the Dili Institute of Technology (DIT).
Highlighting the rapid advancements within ASEAN nations, the Head of State emphasized that Timor-Leste must actively embrace Artificial Intelligence and the global digital economy to remain competitive. The Head of State noted that AI presents unprecedented opportunities for national development, urging the younger generation to harness these tools positively and ethically to advance the country’s technological landscape.
To inspire this technological leap, President Ramos-Horta continues his long-standing initiative of bringing Nobel laureates and world-renowned scientists to Timor-Leste to mentor local students. During the event, the President strongly encouraged the youth to prioritize studies in critical scientific fields—such as digitalization, agricultural science, food security, and medicine—and called for the integration of these advanced subjects into university curricula. The President specifically praised DIT for its excellent, modern infrastructure, expressing confidence that such facilities are vital for cultivating the next generation of Timorese innovators.
Beyond technological advancement, the President also addressed regional solidarity, expressing his deep condolences to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto following the recent earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Using the tragedy as a poignant reminder, President Ramos-Horta stressed the urgent need for Timor-Leste to bolster its own natural disaster preparedness.
President Ramos-Horta advocated for increased national investment in human resources, modern equipment, and advanced meteorological forecasting technologies to ensure the nation remains resilient in the face of unpredictable climate challenges and natural disasters.
TATOLI
