Minister Bendito participates in the Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Least Developed Countries
DÍLI, 25 September 2026 (TATOLI) – Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, participated in the Annual Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Least Developed Countries (LDCS).
This year’s theme is “Building Resilient and Connected LDCS: Accelerating Implementation of the Doha Programme of Action through Partnership”.
In his statement, the Minister highlighted the severe global pressures facing LDCs, including climate change, debt vulnerability, and financing gaps.
He emphasized the urgent need to transition from political commitments to measurable, real-world results. Given that LDCs contribute the least to global emissions but suffer the most, he called for scaled-up, predictable climate finance—specifically public and grant-based funding—alongside a tripling of adaptation financing to keep the 1.5°C climate goal within reach.
To align with the Doha Programme of Action, Timor-Leste is focusing its national strategic reforms on three core pillars: human capital, economic diversification, and connectivity. The government is actively investing in education and healthcare to combat stunting and expand vocational training for its youth population.
Furthermore, it is diversifying the economy through sustainable marine infrastructure via a new Blue Economy initiative, while simultaneously bolstering digital connectivity through the recent launch of its first international submarine fiber-optic cable.
Finally, His Excellency stressed that graduating from LDC status must be sustainable and accompanied by adequate transition support to avoid an abrupt loss of assistance or a reversal of development gains.
While emphasizing the necessity of national ownership, the Minister concluded that LDCs cannot achieve these goals alone.
Minister Bendito called for stronger international partnerships through predictable financing, technology access, and trade integration, noting that the ultimate success of the Doha Programme of Action relies on tangible improvements in people’s lives.
TATOLI
