DILI, 26 June 2026 (TATOLI) — The General Assembly of the International Portuguese Language Institute (IILP), on Thursday, sworn in Timorese linguist Benjamim de Araújo e Corte-Real as its new president during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) in Lisbon.
Corte-Real, who previously served as coordinator of Timor-Leste’s National Commission for the IILP, will lead the General Assembly as the institute begins a new phase of governance.
In his inaugural address, Corte-Real reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s commitment to promoting and strengthening the Portuguese language within the multilateral framework of the CPLP.
He emphasized the importance of closer cooperation among member states to reinforce the institute’s role and expand the international presence of the Portuguese language.
The General Assembly also reviewed and endorsed the Executive Director’s 2025 Activity Report, which highlighted strong progress in implementing the institute’s planned objectives and programs.
According to the report, the IILP carried out 64 projects across eight CPLP member states and the Macau Special Administrative Region. The initiatives focused on specialized training, the development of digital language tools, book and reading promotion, and the production and dissemination of knowledge, with support from more than 60 partner organizations.
The Executive Director João Laurentino Neves said the institute had strengthened its institutional capacity, expanded strategic partnerships, increased the number of projects implemented and broadened the geographic reach of its activities.
The Assembly also noted the institute’s positive financial performance during the reporting period, highlighting that voluntary contributions from member states and partner organizations were instrumental in supporting its programs.
Participants said the results demonstrated the IILP’s continued growth and reflected the CPLP member states’ commitment to strengthening linguistic and cultural cooperation as the General Assembly formally begins its work under the institute’s new governance structure.
The meeting concluded with the General Assembly adopting motions of appreciation for the outgoing president in recognition of her contributions during her term, and for the Executive Director for his dedication and role in strengthening, modernizing and promoting the institute.
TATOLI
