AGP Executive Report

Public Housing Pressure in Australia: A Richmond public housing resident says she was pushed to relocate after her tower was slated for demolition under Victoria’s Labor redevelopment plan, highlighting the political fight between Labor and the Greens over housing security. UN Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are gathering in Fiji for pre-COP31 talks aimed at keeping 1.5°C alive, boosting climate finance, and focusing on sea-level impacts, with Tuvalu hosting a leaders’ retreat. Timor-Leste Water and Schools Delivery: The government monitored a Tasitolu pilot to build nine classrooms and four toilets using modular Block Solutions, and inaugurated a Laleia water system serving about 2,700 people. National Planning Push: PM Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED monitoring report, setting priorities across economic, infrastructure, social, and institutional pillars. Diplomacy and Digitisation: Abu Dhabi talks between Noura Al Kaabi and Timor-Leste’s foreign minister focused on government digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference. UN Police Peacekeeping Training: Pacific and Timor-Leste police officers graduated from UN Police peacekeeping training in Brisbane, including child protection and intelligence-led policing. ASEAN and Regional Integration: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership steps forward as Cambodia’s Senate approved laws tied to ASEAN instruments, including the Cebu Protocol. Climate Finance Capacity Building: ERIA and ISPAE convened a regional workshop on innovative disaster finance, with Timor-Leste participating as a full ASEAN member.

National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched Timor-Leste’s National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 and the PED 2011–2024 Monitoring Progress Report, framing them as a “moment of accountability” to guide budgets around ten national priorities. Water & Infrastructure: The government inaugurated a new Laleia water supply system in Manatuto, delivering water to about 2,700 people across 450 households, plus key institutions, with a US$764,900 investment. Education Delivery: Ministries visited Tasitolu’s 12 de Outubro Filial Basic School to monitor a pilot using modular “Block Solutions” technology to build nine classrooms and four toilets faster and cheaper than conventional construction. Foreign Relations & Digitisation: In Abu Dhabi, Noura Al Kaabi met Timor-Leste’s foreign minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas, agreeing to push government digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference. Regional Climate Diplomacy: A Reuters report says East Timor is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders for pre-COP talks in Fiji and Tuvalu, highlighting how Pacific climate priorities are struggling to draw global attention. UN Peacekeeping Training: Pacific and Timor-Leste police officers graduated from a UN Police Peacekeeping training program in Brisbane, boosting mission readiness with a reported 83% pass rate.

Government Delivery Watch: The Council of Ministers launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and published the PED 2011–2024 progress report, with PM Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão framing it as a “moment of accountability” guiding budgets around economic diversification, infrastructure, social development and institutions. Education & Infrastructure: In Dili’s Tasitolu, ministries monitored a pilot using Block Solutions modular construction to build nine classrooms and four toilets at 12 de Outubro EBF. In Manatuto’s Laleia, Public Works inaugurated a new water supply system serving about 2,700 people across 450 households. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas met UAE Minister Noura Al Kaabi, agreeing to push government digitisation, people-to-people ties and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. Regional Politics: Reuters reports that East Timor is among the few confirmed non-Pacific leaders attending pre-COP31 talks in Fiji and Tuvalu, as Pacific states push for stronger climate action and finance. UN & Rights: The UN Child Rights Committee issued findings on Timor-Leste following its latest review, with recommendations tied to child rights implementation. Security Training: UN Police Peacekeeping training in Brisbane graduated Pacific and Timor-Leste officers, including modules on child protection, sexual exploitation and abuse, and intelligence-led policing. Elderly Support: While not East Timor, the week’s coverage also highlighted cash support for senior citizens in the region, underscoring how governments are rolling out ageing-related benefits.

Government Delivery: The Council of Ministers launched the National Medium-Term Plan 2027–2030 and the PED 2011–2024 Monitoring Progress Report, with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão framing it as a “pact” to complete the strategic plan with discipline and unity. Public Works & Water Security: In Dili’s Tasitolu, ministries monitored a pilot to build nine classrooms and four toilets using modular Block Solutions tech; in Laleia (Manatuto), Public Works inaugurated a new water supply system serving about 2,700 people across 450 households. Foreign Relations & Digitisation: In Abu Dhabi, Timor-Leste’s FM Bendito dos Santos Freitas met Noura Al Kaabi, agreeing to push government digitisation, people-to-people ties, and water security ahead of the UN Water Conference in December. Regional Climate Diplomacy: World powers are set to meet in Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) to shape COP31 talks, with Pacific leaders—alongside Timor-Leste—pressing for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and urgent action on ocean impacts. Security & Training: UN Police Peacekeeping training graduated a Pacific-wide class at AFP’s Brisbane hub, including Timor-Leste officers, with a focus on child protection, sexual exploitation and abuse, and intelligence-led policing. ASEAN Development Finance: ERIA and ISPAE convened a workshop on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth, with Timor-Leste participating as a full ASEAN member.

ASEAN Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale met President José Ramos-Horta at the UNGA in New York to discuss deepening Timor-Leste–Solomon Islands ties, with Ramos-Horta highlighting Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund as a model of stability and prudent investment. Regional Governance & Law: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration gets a boost as Cambodia’s National Assembly approved the Cebu Protocol amendment to the ASEAN Charter, paving the way for wider regional legal alignment. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Child Rights Committee published findings on Timor-Leste under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, flagging concerns and recommendations for better implementation. Climate & Resilience Capacity: UNSW and Permatil ran hands-on surveying training with UNTL staff and students to improve water catchment modelling—aimed at strengthening rural water and food security. International Cooperation: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, Pham Binh Dam, presented credentials, pledging deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Energy & Industry Watch: Estrella Resources reported new assays supporting a copper-gold porphyry case at its Laleno Dome project, moving the work toward further testing.

Sovereign Wealth & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale met President José Ramos-Horta on strengthening Timor-Leste–Solomon Islands ties, with Ramos-Horta highlighting Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund as a model of prudent, interference-free investment that supports national budgets and development priorities. Regional Security & Law: Timor-Leste’s push for deeper ASEAN integration continues as draft laws advance on the Cebu Protocol to amend the ASEAN Charter, enabling Timor-Leste’s full membership, alongside legal cooperation measures with Russia. Human Rights Governance: The Council of Ministers endorsed Timor-Leste’s Universal Periodic Review State Report (2022–2026) for UN submission on Oct. 9, and approved budget spending and procurement steps for the Tasi Mane South Coast project. Capacity Building for Water Security: UNSW and Permatil trained UNTL staff and students to survey water catchment topography for modelling, aiming to improve rural water access and food security. International Outreach: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, Pham Binh Dam, presented credentials, pledging deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Deep-Sea Development Watch: A Timor-Leste AUV campaign for offshore energy surveying is moving into its offshore phase, using remote operations as a potential new standard for ultra-deepwater work.

Council of Ministers: Timor-Leste’s Council endorsed the State Report for the UN Universal Periodic Review 2022–2026 and approved budget spending to push the Tasi Mane Project on the south coast, including launching public tender procurement for project management and supervision. Energy & investment: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator (ANP) has approved the Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) oil development, clearing a key step toward final investment decision. Diplomacy: Vietnam appointed its first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Regional politics: Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta signaled openness to Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UN General Assembly, while reiterating the need for consultation and a just settlement. Governance & rights: The UPR endorsement underscores the government’s push to track human-rights progress and follow up UN recommendations through the Human Rights Council process.

ASEAN & Legal Integration: Cambodia’s Senate unanimously approved draft laws tied to ASEAN’s Cebu Protocol amendment, the CICA privileges framework, a Russia criminal-justice cooperation deal, and a statute for lawyers—moves that also clear the way for Timor-Leste’s deeper ASEAN integration. Diplomacy: Vietnam named Ambassador Pham Binh Dam as its first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, signaling fresh momentum in bilateral ties and ASEAN cooperation. International Law & Rights: Timor-Leste welcomed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UN General Assembly, while reiterating the need for consultation with the people concerned and a just settlement. Regional Security/Justice: Timor-Leste also signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime, strengthening protections for civil and political rights. Energy & Industry: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator approved the Environmental Impact Statement for its Kuda Tasi and Jahal oil development, a key step toward final investment decisions. Sports: Timor-Leste was drawn into Azerbaijan’s U-15 World Cup group, setting up another international spotlight for the country’s youth teams. Culture & Heritage: Timor-Leste expanded its national cultural heritage list, adding to efforts to preserve local history and documentary records.

UN Gender Equality Backlash: UN Women warns progress on women’s leadership is stalling, with gender parity in parliament projected for 2089 and a male-dominated UN General Assembly setting the tone for the next UN chief race. Deepwater Survey for Timor-Leste Energy: Fugro’s remote-guided AUV model is being tested in Malaysia and now feeds into Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise and Bayu Undan offshore campaign this week, highlighting how far teams can operate from shore. Diplomacy in Focus: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador presents credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, signaling deeper cooperation and ASEAN integration support. UN Engagement: Ramos-Horta’s UNGA remarks include a shift toward welcoming Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan while still stressing consultation and self-determination. Payments Modernization: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank sign MoUs to explore cross-border QRIS connectivity, aiming to make digital payments easier for people and businesses. Oil & Gas Regulatory Step: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s ANP approved the Environmental Impact Statement for the KTJ project, clearing a major hurdle toward potential FID. Sports: FIFA President Infantino arrives in Azerbaijan as Timor-Leste’s U-15 team is drawn for the Baku tournament.

Diplomacy: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, Pham Binh Dam, presented credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, pledging deeper cooperation as both sides look to strengthen ties at ASEAN and the UN. Energy & Investment: Finder Energy cleared a major regulatory hurdle for its Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) oil project after Timor-Leste’s ANP approved the Environmental Impact Statement, setting the stage for joint venture work and a possible final investment decision. Mining Watch: Estrella Resources says new assays strengthen the case for a porphyry copper-gold system at its Laleno Dome project, with copper and gold reported from follow-up field sampling. International Sports: FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived in Azerbaijan ahead of the U-15 World Cup, where Timor-Leste has been drawn into Group AF. Payments & Tech: Bank Indonesia signed MoUs to explore cross-border QRIS payments with Timor-Leste, aiming to connect payment and settlement systems and support digital financial innovation. Culture & Heritage: The government is monitoring initiatives to strengthen preservation of Timor-Leste’s documentary heritage.

AI & Language Equity: A new report warns generative AI can widen inequality by under-serving minority languages, including Tetun in Timor-Leste, while communities try to use AI to build local language tools. UN Diplomacy & Western Sahara: President José Ramos-Horta told the UN General Assembly that Timor-Leste welcomes Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan, while stressing consultation and self-determination. UN Recognition: UAE envoy Badr Jafar received a UN Changemaker Award for linking business and philanthropy to sustainable development, with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta among other honourees. Oil & Gas Regulation: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s ANP approved the environmental impact statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal project, clearing a major step toward a final investment decision. Payments & Regional Integration: Bank Indonesia signed MoUs with Timor-Leste’s central bank to explore cross-border QRIS payments, aiming to improve connectivity for tourists and businesses. Regional Influence via Media: A study highlights Australia’s use of public broadcasters as “soft power” across the Pacific, including Timor-Leste. Sports: Timor-Leste is set to face Cambodia in the FIFA ASEAN Cup Division 2 after a tough group start.

ASEAN-Canada trade talks: Negotiations on the proposed ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) are at an advanced stage, with ASEAN and Canada aiming to conclude in 2026 and sign in 2027—potentially reshaping investment and supply-chain decisions as Timor-Leste joins ASEAN. UN recognition for Timor-Leste’s President: José Ramos-Horta was among the 2026 UN Changemakers Awards honourees, while UAE envoy Badr Jafar also received the award during UN General Assembly week. Oil project cleared: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s ANP has approved the Environmental Impact Statement for its Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) oil development, clearing a key step toward a possible final investment decision. Cybercrime treaty: Timor-Leste signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime, strengthening international protection for civil and political rights. Payments cooperation: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank (BCTL) signed an MoU to deepen payment and settlement cooperation, including exploring cross-border QRIS connectivity. Electoral tech focus: Timor-Leste and Australia discussed challenges of new technologies in electoral processes. Regional sports note: Timor-Leste sits third in FIFA ASEAN Cup Division 2 Group B after Cambodia beat Myanmar 1-0, setting up a key match against Cambodia on Sept. 30.

Central Bank Cooperation: Bank Indonesia and Banco Central de Timor-Leste signed an MoU to deepen payment and settlement links, including exploring cross-border QRIS connectivity between the two countries. Digital Payments for Mobility: Indonesia also reported a surge in cross-border QR transactions, with inbound spending driven by expanding QRIS links—an approach Timor-Leste is now moving to plug into. Elections & Tech Risks: Timor-Leste’s Minister of the Presidency Agio Pereira met Australian Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope to discuss election organisation and how disinformation, social media, and AI are reshaping democratic processes. Regional Diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta renewed support for India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, framing it around democracy and India’s role in the developing world. Sports, Not Politics—But Still Local: Cambodia beat Myanmar 1-0 in the FIFA ASEAN Cup Division 2 opener; Timor-Leste sits third in Group B with a match against Cambodia on Sept. 30. Tourism Angle: Intrepid’s 2027 “Not Hot List” includes Dili, spotlighting Timor-Leste as a lesser-visited destination ready for more visitors.

Central Bank & Payments: Bank Indonesia and Banco Central de Timor-Leste signed an MoU to deepen payment and settlement cooperation, including exploring cross-border QRIS links between the two countries. Regional Finance Boom: Indonesia reported a surge in inbound cross-border QR transactions, showing how QR connectivity is becoming a trade and tourism tool across Asia. Elections & Democracy Tech: Timor-Leste’s Minister of the Presidency Agio Pereira met Australia’s Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope on election planning and the new pressures from disinformation, social media, and AI. UN Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta renewed support for India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, citing India’s democratic record and long-term role in global development. Public Health (Dili): A WHO regional committee in Dili highlighted health gains, including Timor-Leste’s WHO validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Pacific Partnership 2026: U.S. reservists took part in PP26 mission work across Timor-Leste and the region, focusing on medical, engineering, disaster management, and host-nation outreach. Sports & Regional Ties: FIFA’s inaugural ASEAN Cup kicked off, with Timor-Leste placed in the second division, reflecting a new competitive structure for Southeast Asian football.

UN Diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta used the UN General Assembly to back a two-state solution and warned that “numbness is not neutral,” while Malaysia’s foreign minister argued middle powers and ASEAN must keep dialogue alive when major powers stall. Elections & Tech: Timor-Leste’s Minister Agio Pereira met Australia’s Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope on election readiness, focusing on disinformation, social media and AI’s impact on democratic processes. Regional Payments: Indonesia’s central bank reported a surge in inbound cross-border QR payments and signed a new MoU with Timor-Leste’s central bank to deepen payment innovation and possible QRIS cross-border use. Human Rights Courts: Indonesia’s Komnas HAM says Timor-Leste-related serious violations and other cases remain unresolved because the Human Rights Court law isn’t being followed by state institutions. Sports & ASEAN Football: FIFA’s inaugural ASEAN Cup includes Timor-Leste in Division Two, adding another regional platform for competition and cooperation.

Central Bank Cooperation: Bank Indonesia and Banco Central de Timor-Leste signed an MoU to deepen payment and settlement links, including possible cross-border QRIS use, aiming for a more convenient and secure digital finance ecosystem. Elections & Tech Challenges: Timor-Leste’s Minister Agio Pereira met Australia’s Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope to discuss election organization and how disinformation, social media, and AI are reshaping democratic processes. UN Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta renewed support for India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and backed a two-state solution on the Israel-Palestine conflict, warning against normalizing civilian suffering. Regional Integration & Trade: Timor-Leste’s ASEAN debut at the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning was framed as a boost for cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy. Regional Sports: FIFA’s inaugural ASEAN Cup includes Timor-Leste in Division 2, with the tournament running across Indonesia and Hong Kong. Human Rights Accountability: Indonesia’s National Commission on Human Rights says serious violations cases remain unresolved and that the Human Rights Court law is not being properly followed by state institutions.