Timor-Leste Advances Community-Led Peace and Social Cohesion through National Dialogue

"National Dialogue Highlights Local Leadership and Inclusive Strategies for Sustaining Peace in Timor-Leste"

June 17, 2025

Panel discussion on peace and social cohesion in Timor-Leste, featuring six speakers. — Panelists share insights on national policies and priorities to foster social cohesion and resilience in Timor-Leste, highlighting community policing, civic education, and inclusive peacebuilding efforts.

German Perez/ UNDP Timor-Leste

Dili, Timor-Leste - 5 June 2025: The Government of Timor-Leste, in partnership with UNDP Timor-Leste and the g7+ Secretariat, convened a high-level dialogue under the theme “Peace Consolidation and Social Cohesion in Timor-Leste’s Communities: Policies, Priorities, and Collective Impact.” Held at Fundasaun Oriente in Dili, the event brought together senior government officials, civil society actors, international partners, and local community representatives to explore practical strategies for sustaining peace and strengthening social cohesion in post-conflict contexts.

Opening the event, UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Katyna Argueta emphasized that “social cohesion is essential for inclusive development and resilience, steering countries toward higher levels of peace and prosperity.” She acknowledged Timor-Leste’s remarkable progress in moving beyond conflict and highlighted the critical role of civic engagement, youth participation, and inclusive policies. “We deeply appreciate the efforts of local communities and national institutions in making peace a lived experience at the grassroots level,” she said.

Representing the g7+ Secretariat, Mr. Felix Piedade reinforced the value of national ownership and culturally rooted approaches to peacebuilding. “Peace must be locally led and owned,” he stated. “Timor-Leste’s journey illustrates the power of national leadership and inclusive dialogue in navigating fragility. That is why our g7+ motto is: ‘Goodbye conflict, welcome development.’” He also noted that Timor-Leste’s success has been grounded in traditional justice, reconciliation practices, and community consensus. “We cannot talk about peace without empowering youth and women. They must not only be beneficiaries but leaders in shaping our future,” he added.

A woman speaking at a podium while a man prepares to address the audience.

Throughout the dialogue, government ministries shared key policy directions. The Ministry of Interior presented plans to establish a National Commission for Civic Education on Peace and Development. This initiative will promote democratic, active, and productive citizenship, addressing root causes of unrest through education and community participation. The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) reported progress in community policing, with more than 386 community policing councils formed nationwide, enhancing grassroots mediation and safety.

Community-led initiatives were also central to the dialogue. The Vila Verde project was recognized as a model for inclusive, local peacebuilding, using cultural assemblies to address conflict, empower youth, and promote traditional justice. Community voices, including young women leaders, shared how the project gave them tools and opportunities for self-expression, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Interior, and Secretariat of State for Cooperatives discussed how local economies, especially through cooperatives, play a vital role in strengthening livelihoods and preventing violence.

Participants expressed a shared commitment to scaling successful models like Vila Verde, integrating civic education into school systems, and ensuring national policies support local realities. Dialogue emphasized that inclusive governance, gender equality, youth leadership, and responsive institutions are essential for lasting peace. As the discussions concluded, all parties reaffirmed the importance of aligning international support with Timor-Leste’s national strategies, respecting the principle of context-specific, community-owned development promoted by the g7+.

The event marked a renewed momentum in Timor-Leste’s peace journey - centered on people, driven by tradition, and guided by a shared vision for a peaceful and inclusive society.