Timor-Leste urges ASEAN to turn development commitments into measurable results
DILI, 20 August 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste has called on ASEAN to translate its commitments into measurable outcomes that deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Bendito Freitas made the call on Thursday while opening the 4th ASEAN Consultation on the Human Right to Development.
The two-day consultation, held under the theme “Strengthening and Reinforcing the ASEAN Community and Its Implementation,” is taking place at the Palm Springs Hotel from August 20 to 21.
The event brings together representatives from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), the United Nations, human rights institutions, civil society organisations and the media.
Freitas said the consultation was particularly important for Timor-Leste as it was the first event organised by AICHR in the country since Timor-Leste became a full ASEAN member.
He said that for Timor-Leste, joining ASEAN is not simply the fulfilment of a long-standing national aspiration. It is also a responsibility to contribute to regional peace, stability, cooperation and solidarity.
Freitas reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to contributing actively, responsibly and constructively to the values and goals of the ASEAN Community.
As ASEAN marks the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration on the Right to Development, Freitas said development should be centred on people rather than measured solely through economic indicators.
He said that development cannot be measured only by economic growth, national income or infrastructure.
The Minister said development should also create opportunities, protect human dignity, reduce inequality and ensure that people have a meaningful role in decisions that affect their lives.
Freitas also stressed the close relationship between peace, human rights and development, saying lasting peace creates the conditions for development that is inclusive, equitable and responsive to people’s needs.
He identified persistent inequality, climate change, rapid technological change, artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions as among the major challenges facing ASEAN and the wider international community.
In addressing those challenges, Freitas highlighted the ASEAN Declaration on the Promotion of the Right to Development and the Right to Peace for the Achievement of Inclusive and Sustainable Development, adopted in 2025. He stressed that the challenge now is to translate this framework into implementation.
Freitas called for ASEAN to move from declarations to action, from principles to policies and from regional commitments to concrete, measurable results.
He identified strengthening institutions and public participation, expanding access to quality education and healthcare, and increasing access to decent work and economic opportunities as key priorities, particularly for vulnerable communities.
TATOLI
