The Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR) had the distinct honour of hosting His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, for a Public Lecture on 2 December 2024. His Excellency Gusmão delivered a lecture entitled “International Diplomacy in an Increasingly Fragmented and Fragile World”, sharing invaluable insights drawn from his nation’s journey to independence and the current global challenges facing diplomacy.
His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão is a towering figure in Timor-Leste’s history. He led the Timorese resistance that secured independence and served as the nation’s first elected President (2002–2007) and later as Prime Minister (2007–2014, 2023–present). His legacy includes fostering national unity, promoting economic growth, and leading Timor-Leste's diplomatic negotiations on maritime boundaries. As a statesman, he has been instrumental in advancing peace, governance, and sustainable development, earning numerous international accolades for his contributions.
In his lecture, His Excellency Gusmão emphasised the transformative power of diplomacy. Reflecting on Timor-Leste’s 24-year struggle for independence, he spoke about the immense challenges faced by the Timorese people during this period. He underscored the importance of prioritising peacebuilding through dialogue and reconciliation, underlining that conflict must give way to understanding and collaboration.
Highlighting the global challenges of today, His Excellency pointed to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Myanmar, as stark reminders of the fragility of peace. He argued that diplomacy must remain the cornerstone of conflict resolution, advocating for inclusive dialogue. His call for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and regional cooperation, particularly through ASEAN, resonated strongly with the audience.
Concluding the lecture, His Excellency highlighted the critical role of institutions like IDFR in nurturing future diplomats. He emphasised the importance of equipping young leaders with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex world, fostering bridge-building, and promoting reconciliation.
The lecture wrapped up with an engaging Q&A session where His Excellency addressed questions from the audience, including Timor-Leste’s preparations for ASEAN membership. He expressed optimism about achieving this milestone, noting the rigorous daily efforts being made to meet ASEAN’s requirements.
Prepared by:
Ms. Nurin Nabilah Asraf
Centre for Political Studies and Economic Diplomacy (PSED)
