Join José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste and a Nobel Peace Laureate, for an evening at the Sydney Opera House on the value of independence. He has dedicated his life to fighting for Timorese freedom from oppression.

The Australia Institute is delighted to present President José Ramos-Horta for an evening of conversation as part of its 30 Years of Big Ideas

Timor-Leste is one of Australia’s closest neighbours and allies. However, many Australians are not aware of the history of Timor-Leste, the Timorese fight for independence, or how the futures of our respective countries are intertwined.

While strategic dependence on power is often promoted as the path to national security, former Prime Minister and now President of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, has direct experience building a democracy from scratch and knows what is at risk when a nation loses geopolitical autonomy.

Against the threats of climate change, food insecurity, and rising inequality, to achieve true security in the Asia-Pacific region, nations need to build respect, genuine partnerships and support each other to flourish.

On the 25th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s historic vote for independence, following years of resistance against foreign occupation, President Ramos-Horta will reflect on the importance and fragility of national independence, and how the stability of the Asia-Pacific region relies on respecting our differences and confronting shared challenges together.

Speakers

Ambassador of Timor-Leste, Her Excellency Ines Almeida
Introduction by the Hon. Bob Carr
Performance by Manduko
Closing remarks Janelle Saffin MP

“Timor-Leste demonstrated that nothing solid or lasting can be built on the denial of people’s fundamental rights. It demonstrated the value of reconciliation and establishing good neighbourly relations. And that with international solidarity, peace, freedom and democracy can thrive.

“The world can learn much from Timor-Leste, especially at a time when conflicts are multiplying and geopolitical tensions are worsening. And in a context of worrying dysfunctionality in the relationship between Powers and growing impunity in the face of violations of human rights and international law.” – Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General

Presented by The Australia Institute

President José Ramos-Horta is visiting Australia as a guest of the Australia Institute, as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations