Timor-Leste Youth Forum: Driving the Future with Vision and Action

Timor-Leste's youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow—they are the driving force of today. At the Youth Forum held recently, ahead of the United Nations Summit of the Future, young leaders from across the nation gathered to tackle pressing global issues. Organised by the Timor-Leste Alumni Youth Parliamentary (APFTL), with support from the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office and in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, this forum showcased the energy, passion, and determination of Timorese youth. Over 150 representatives from 22 diverse organisations came together, underscoring their deep commitment to global governance, sustainable development, and peace-building.

As the world turns its focus to the Summit of the Future in September, Timorese youth are already positioning themselves as key players in shaping this agenda. Their discussions were not just reflective of their hopes and dreams—they were a strong, resonant voice within the broader UN Youth Agenda and the forthcoming Youth Declaration, demonstrating their intent to actively shape a better future for both their country and the world.

Linking Local Voices to Global Goals

The forum centred on five pivotal areas of the proposed Pact for the Future: Sustainable Development and Financing, Peace and Security, Science, Technology, Innovation (STI) and Digital Cooperation, Youth and Future Generations, and Transforming Global Governance. These topics, crucial for any nation's progress, took on added significance as the youth reflected on how these global concerns affect their local reality.

For example, on Sustainable Development and Financing, the forum acknowledged the challenge of aligning Timor-Leste's specific context with global SDG indicators. However, they also recognised the country's strong cultural practices, such as "Tara Bandu", which offers a unique opportunity to harness indigenous knowledge for climate action. Youth from the environmental group Juventude Hadomi Natureza (JHN) and other young leaders discussed how these practices could contribute to achieving both national and global sustainability goals.

In the realm of Peace and Security, young Timorese pointed to the nation's rich history of conflict resolution and reconciliation, particularly with Indonesia, as a model for global peace efforts. Their engagement highlights how youth can serve as key actors in fostering peace, an idea echoed in the UN's Youth Declaration, which calls for young people to be central in decision-making processes related to conflict resolution.

Youth Declaration: A Call to Action

At the heart of the Youth Forum’s outcomes was the Timor-Leste Youth Declaration for the Summit of the Future, a bold and comprehensive statement that powerfully captures the desires and demands of Timorese youth. This declaration resonates deeply with the United Nations’ Our Common Agenda, which prioritises inclusivity, justice, and the eradication of poverty. It is not just a reflection of their hopes but a call for concrete action, seeking a stronger role for youth in shaping the future.

Central to the Declaration is the demand for greater youth involvement in policy-making, both at national and international levels. Timorese youth advocate for more opportunities to develop their skills through education, leadership, and vocational training, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to their country’s development and global goals like the SDGs. They also push for a heightened focus on gender equality, as outlined in SDG 5, and emphasise the need for youth representation in high-level United Nations dialogues where their ideas and concerns can be directly addressed.

Another key aspect of the Declaration is the call for increased investment in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), recognising the crucial role of digital cooperation and innovation in shaping the future. While challenges like digital illiteracy and insufficient infrastructure persist, the youth are eager to take the lead in using STI for social good, promoting gender equality and fostering social inclusion through technology.

In addition to these goals, the Declaration highlights the need for youth to be at the forefront of conflict resolution, playing a vital role in promoting peace and security at all levels. Their vision for peacebuilding aligns with a broader call for solidarity and people-to-people reconciliation to prevent conflicts between nations.

This declaration is more than a set of recommendations; it is a powerful call to action. The youth of Timor-Leste are not only demanding a seat at the table but are ready to lead. They urge the international community to recognise their vital role, especially as the world prepares for the Summit of the Future. Timorese youth are determined to help shape a future that is inclusive, just, and sustainable—and they are calling on global leaders to listen.

Transforming Global Governance: A Youth-Led Approach

One of the most striking points raised during the forum was the challenge of small, less-developed countries being overlooked in global governance discussions. However, the youth saw this as an opportunity for Timor-Leste to strengthen its diplomatic ties and push for more equitable representation on the global stage. Their call to respect the Paris Agreement and hold nations accountable for their carbon emissions is a strong reminder of their commitment to ensuring climate justice—not just for themselves, but for future generations.

This aligns seamlessly with the global Youth Declaration, where young people worldwide have voiced their concerns about the inequalities in global decision-making processes. As the UN Summit of the Future approaches, it is becoming clear that youth, especially from smaller nations like Timor-Leste, are demanding a seat at the table.

The Future is Now

Timor-Leste's Youth Forum was not just an event. It was a testament to the vibrant, intelligent, and driven spirit of the nation's youth. Their recommendations—crafted with insight and clarity—are a clear call for global leaders to recognise the importance of youth participation in shaping a more inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable future.

In their final words, the youth urged the world: "We are the future generation. Our voices must be heard now. We must be part of the solution today." As the Summit of the Future draws nearer, it is evident that Timor-Leste's youth are not waiting for tomorrow. They are ready to lead today.

Let this Youth Declaration be a rallying call to the international community: invest in the youth, support their innovation, and recognise their indispensable role in achieving a brighter, more just future for all.

The blog is contributed by Funmi Balogun, UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste

Photo Credits: UN RC Office in Timor-Leste