DILI, 21 May 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta officially opened the 2025 Pacific Regional Seminar on Decolonization today, co-organized by the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization (C24).
The event, held at the Palm Springs Hotel in Dili, coincides with Timor-Leste’s celebration of its 23rd Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence, commemorated on May 20, 2025.
In his opening address, President Ramos-Horta shared Timor-Leste’s journey to independence, describing Timor-Leste as “a living testimony to the prolonged and resilient struggle of a people for their right to self-determination.”
Horta acknowledged the pivotal role played by international solidarity, the legitimacy of international law, and the United Nations, particularly highlighting the significance of the Special Committee on Decolonization in our path to freedom.
The Head of State expressed the nation’s gratitude to the Indonesian people and armed forces for accepting the outcome of the 1999 Popular Consultation that paved the way for Timor-Leste’s independence.
The seminar, themed “Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Advancing Socioeconomic and Cultural Development of the Non-Self-Governing Territories,” aims to assess progress in implementing the Action Plan of the International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.
During his address, the President emphasized the necessity for concrete actions beyond political resolutions, calling for practical initiatives including technical training programs for youth, community development plans supported by international partnerships, and the establishment of a Support Fund for the Sustainable Development of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
Horta characterized Timor-Leste as “an oasis of peace, tolerance and freedom,” highlighting our nation’s advancement toward regional integration, with full membership in ASEAN expected possibly within this year. President Ramos-Horta reaffirmed our nation’s steadfast commitment to standing with the peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories “with humility, solidarity, and conviction” as they pursue their legitimate right to self-determination.
The regional seminar brings together distinguished delegates from the C24, representatives from administering powers, and various stakeholders to formulate effective strategies for accelerating the decolonization process worldwide.
TATOLI
