Join Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and President of Timor-Leste, His Excellency José Ramos-Horta, for a passionate conversation on the importance of independence and the power of building international solidarity. Discover how, despite adversity, these values have helped him foster peace, freedom, and democracy so that Timor-Leste and surrounding nations might flourish.

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.

“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, August 2024

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.

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.

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.

Hosted by
Professor Nicholas Farrelly, expert in Southeast Asian Political and Cultural Change and Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Tasmania.

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Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

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The experts
José Ramos-Horta became Timor-Leste's first foreign minister when it declared independence from Portugal in 1975. Following Indonesia’s invasion later that year, he became the international voice of the Timorese people. In recognition of his efforts toward securing a just and peaceful resolution to the East Timor conflict, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996. After the Popular Consultation of 1999 paved the way for Timor-Leste's independence, he returned from exile to once again serve as foreign minister. Ramos-Horta later became Prime Minister (2006–2007) and President (2007–2012) of the new nation. In 2022, on the 20th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s restored independence, he came out of retirement and was inaugurated as president once more. Find out more about President José Ramos-Horta

Professor Nicholas Farrelly is the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Southern Tasmania at the University of Tasmania. Previously, from 2020 to 2024, he served as Head of Social Sciences, leading a dynamic, multidisciplinary team across Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, and Melbourne. His expertise lies in political and cultural issues, with a focus on rapidly evolving Asian societies. As an academic leader, he collaborates with a wide range of Australian government, industry, and community organisations to provide high-quality social science insights. Nicholas also serves on the Board of the Australia-ASEAN Council, which fosters partnerships with Southeast Asia through business, education, science, and cultural exchanges. In early 2024, he co-authored a report titled Comprehensive Strategic Partners: ASEAN and Australia after the First 50 Years, examining Australia’s engagement with Southeast Asia.

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The Value of Independence

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