Speech UN Resident Coordinator a.i. on UN Day Mangrove Plantation

DG Samuel Soares, representing Excellency Sr Bendito Freitas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation,

DG David Tomas de Deus representing Excellency Sr Nelyo Isaac Sarmento Minister of Youth, Sports, Art, and Culture
Chief of Staff of His Excellency Sr Fernandino Vieira da Costa, Secretary of State for Forestry,

Distinguished Members of the IX Constitutional Government,
Excellencies, ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires of UN Member States,
Esteemed representatives of development agencies,

Dear members of the Youth Parliament Alumni Association,

Members of the Metinaru Mangrove Conservation Group,
My dearest UN Heads of Agencies and UN colleagues,
Members of the media,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is an honour to be with you today as we celebrate UN Day 2024. 

This day is not just about reflecting on past achievements of the United Nations, but renewing our commitment to the future—one that demands immediate action on climate change, protection for the vulnerable, and leadership from young people.

Today’s mangrove plantation event is more than symbolic; it is a declaration of our resolve to tackle one of the world's greatest challenges at the time. 

By planting over 300 mangrove saplings, we are planting hope, resilience, and a sustainable future for Timor-Leste.

Climate change is already affecting this beautiful nation. 

Rising sea levels, unpredictable rainfall, heat, and the droughts we have been experiencing over the past two months are no longer distant threats; these extreme weather events are affecting communities right now. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that sea levels in this region could rise by over a metre by the end of the century, a worrying prospect for a nation where 85% of the population lives in lowland and coastal areas.

Without major investments to protect coastlines and relocate infrastructure, the consequences could be devastating. 

Climate change is worsening socio-economic problems, making rural and urban communities more vulnerable and driving up development costs. 

The changes in rainfall, rising sea temperatures, and erratic weather patterns threaten food security, water quality, and the livelihoods of millions.

This is why climate action is at the heart of the United Nations' global agenda. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has consistently emphasised, "The battle for a sustainable future will be won or lost in this decade." 

The choices we make today will determine the fate of future generations. 

Mangroves are a crucial part of the solution. 

They act as nature’s barriers against coastal erosion and storm surges. 

These ecosystems absorb more carbon than most forests and provide vital habitats for marine life. 

In Timor-Leste, they are critical not just to the environment but to the communities that rely on the sea for food and livelihoods.

But planting trees alone won’t solve the problem.  

Real change requires collective action and the involvement of all sectors of society. 

And that is why today’s event, led by the youth of Timor-Leste, is so important.

The United Nations believes in the power of young people. 

The UN sees you as partners in building a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

The Alumni Parlamentu Foinsae Timor-Leste and other youth-led initiatives are prime examples of how young people are taking charge, raising awareness, and mobilising communities. 

You are the torchbearers for the Sustainable Development Goals, 

Today, as we celebrate UN Day 2024, let us remember that the United Nations was founded on the principles of peace, cooperation, and collective action. 

For 79 years, the UN has been working to foster peace, protect human rights, and promote development around the world. 

In Timor-Leste, the UN is committed to supporting the government and people in strengthening resilience, improving food security, and protecting the environment. 

But the UN cannot do it alone. 

We need the involvement of civil society, development partners, and, most critically, the youth of this country.

The stakes are high, but today is about  action. 

The mangroves we plant today will protect  coastlines, preserve biodiversity, and act as carbon sinks in the fight against global warming.

To the young people who have organised today’s event, I extend my heartfelt thanks. 

You give us hope for a brighter tomorrow, and the United Nations is honoured to support you.

Let’s face climate change head-on. 

Together, we can create a sustainable future that benefits generations to come.  

Obrigadu barak!