DILI, 21 May 2025 (TATOLI) — The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta urged the international community to uphold the right to self-determination for all Non-Self-Governing Territories.
President Horta made the call in his opening remarks at the Pacific Regional Seminar, held in Dili, Timor-Leste, from 21 to 23 May 2025, and co-organized by the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C24).
Horta reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s unwavering support for the right of people in Non-Self-Governing Territories to determine their own future. “Timor-Leste firmly believes that the decolonization process remains incomplete as long as there are peoples whose free and genuine will has not been heard, respected, and implemented.”
“The defense of these principles is not only a historical duty but also a vital contribution to building a more just, inclusive, and respectful international system — one that honors the dignity of all peoples,” said Horta.
He emphasized that the right to self-determination — enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations — must be translated into tangible progress in political, economic, and social dimensions for those living under colonial rule.
The Head of State stressed that as the world faces intertwined challenges of peace, justice, and sustainable development, “we cannot ignore the situations in which the right to self-determination remains incomplete or contested.”
“All Non-Self-Governing Territories under consideration by the C24 must be given the opportunity to freely decide their future — choosing their own political, economic, and social systems in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” he said. “We believe that only through these paths can we build fair, sustainable, and truly inclusive solutions for all peoples who aspire to freedom and self-determination.”
Horta called for a more operational and results-driven approach from the international community. This includes investment in local capacity-building and the empowerment of communities. “International solidarity must be transformed into tangible commitments — into investments in education, health, and institutional capacity.”
He said that the decolonization agenda, far from being a legacy of the past, remains an ethical and political priority of the present — and “must be an active tool for positive transformation.”
The Head of State proposed several concrete measures to advance the decolonization agenda, including:
- Pilot technical training programs with youth from the territories;
- Community development plans supported by international partnerships;
- Joint missions of the C24 with UN agencies for needs assessment;
- And the establishment of a Support Fund for the Sustainable Development of Non-Self-Governing Territories, coordinated by the UN and in close collaboration with the beneficiary peoples themselves.
Horta also urged the Committee to go beyond political advocacy and act as a bridge-builder and development facilitator. “The C24 is not only a guardian of the principle of self-determination; it is also a catalyst that should facilitate bridges between administering powers, the peoples of the territories, and multiple stakeholders — including UN agencies, international financial institutions, universities, civil society, and the private sector.”
“The Committee can enhance its role by promoting practical platforms for dialogue, mapping economic opportunities, and coordinating multilateral technical assistance. Its mission is both political and operational,” he explained.
Horta also highlighted Timor-Leste’s own journey — from a colonized nation to a peaceful democracy — as a beacon for others. “Timor-Leste, is a young, imperfect, vibrant democracy, an oasis of peace, tolerance and freedom, a shining light of democracy and tranquillity in this turbulent world,” he said. “We are a multicultural, multi-religious, multilingual and multi-ethnic society. We are committed to our diversity and political plurality, open to the world, tolerant, free of hatred.”
Horta concluded his remarks with a firm pledge: “We will continue to stand with the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories, with humility, solidarity, and conviction.”
The seminar, held under the theme “Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Advancing Socioeconomic and Cultural Development of the Non-Self-Governing Territories”, aims to take stock of the progress, efforts, challenges, and achievements of Member States in implementing the Action Plan of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
