We East Timorese have liberated our homeland. Now, independence for East Timor means that we need to address many questions about development. We are building our nation and our future. We need to make wise decisions for the sake of future generations.
I am very pleased that the Conference on Sustainable Development was held in East Timor.
Building our future requires vision and planning - based on an understanding of our current situation and development prospects. This conference provided a valuable opportunity for us to consult with experts, and to discuss and develop strategies to address sustainable development in East Timor.
Presentations at the conference by East Timorese and international experts provided information that we need as part of our planning process. The broad participatory base and large workshop component of the conference provided a valuable opportunity for us to discuss many issues, including; protection of the environment, economic development, and social justice. We need to develop strategies for the sustainable development of our economy, while protecting and repairing the environment.
Our people have suffered enough. The future wellbeing of our people is of utmost concern to me. Planning for our future requires full consideration of how to improve the lives of the people of East Timor. The conference on sustainable development is an important step along the road to planning a sustainable future in East Timor.
Xanana Gusmão
I supported the Conference on Sustainable Development in East Timor
from its inception - in particular its important focus on the profound links
between economic development and social and environmental well-being. I am
delighted by the success of the Conference.
One of the key areas of global concern has been to put people at the
centre of sustainable development and to recognise their entitlement to lead a
healthy and productive life. The new
nation of East Timor has a clear opportunity to show leadership by embracing
the principles of sustainable development.
East Timor is developing itself politically, and
socio-economically. The starting point
for East Timor is social and political justice. Sustainable development in East Timor requires the empowerment of
communities, the full participation and education of all sectors of society, as
well as integrated planning and environmental assessment.
This Conference provided important opportunities for raising awareness
and knowledge about sustainable development and the environment in East
Timor. It was a good opportunity to
begin thinking about innovative solutions for East Timor.
It is particularly important that the people and the future government
of East Timor devise an effective sustainable development strategy to secure
the sustainable utilisation of East Timor’s natural resources, and the repair
of past environmental damage. The
outcomes of this conference will help to ensure that environmental concerns are
integrated into development planning in all sectors.
I give my full support to the Task Force on Sustainable Development
that is being established as an outcome of this conference. This Task Force will be a key agent for
strategic planning for sustainable development in East Timor.
These conference proceedings will serve as an invaluable handbook for
development planners in East Timor, as they undertake the complex task of
balancing conservation and development
objectives to meet the needs and aspirations of the Timorese people.
Sergio Vieira de Mello
Transitional Administrator
Special Representative of the Secretary-General