Dili, April 8, 2026 – The Centro Nacional Chega! I.P., along with the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (TRP-TF/GT-PRT-Tetum Acronym), shared the experiences on reconciliation at the Youth Forum on Peace, Reconciliation, and Social Cohesion (SEAWPM). This event was held at the Ministry of Finance Hall in Aitarak Laran, Dili, for two days.
During the dialogue session, the spokesperson for the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force, Jose A. de Jesus Neves ‘Samalarua,’ expressed his appreciation for the event and emphasized that reconciliation is a process of healing past wounds caused by various violations and acts of torture. He noted that reconciliation relies on both perpetrators and victims, requiring honesty, responsibility, and forgiveness from both sides.
Centro Chega! exists to ensure the bitter conflicts of our past—from 1974 to 1999—are never forgotten, but rather used as a foundation for a culture of peace.
“On behalf of Centro Chega!, to appreciate this forum over these two days, you have discussed peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion, not just as abstract concepts, but as the daily values of responsibility, integrity, and solidarity that must guide your leadership.” Said Gaudencio in his closing remarks.
You have listened, shared, and reflected on what it means to build peace in our communities — Peace not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of truth, accountability, and forgiveness. In your stories, I see the spirit of reconciliation and the unbreakable hope that defines our nation and region.
Timor-Leste is now officially a member of the ASEAN family. This is more than a diplomatic achievement; it is an opportunity for our youth to share Timor-Leste’s unique experience in transforming conflict into opportunities for lasting peace.
Timor-Leste’s own journey reminds us that peace is never handed down; it is built — day by day, through struggle, dialogue, compassion, and collective action. And across Southeast Asia, we see the same truth: that our diversity is not a barrier, but a strength that binds us together.
As our Executive Director, Sr. Hugo Maria Fernandes, serves on the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) Advisory Board, we are committed to ensuring your voices reach the highest regional levels.
To our Timorese youth: you are the ‘Generation of Patriots’ who must uphold the legacy of peace left by our elders and heroes.
Use the innovative thinking and fraternal cooperation you have displayed here to address the national and regional challenges of tomorrow—from social justice to sustainable development”.
Reconciliation requires sincerity and a willingness to engage without emotions, as one family. We leave this forum not just with new knowledge, but with a shared commitment to building a region where ‘Chega’—’No More’—applies to conflict, and ‘Peace and Development’ becomes our common future.
On behalf of Centro Nacional Chega! I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you — the organizers from Southeast Asian Peace Mediators, the young leaders, facilitators, and partners from across Timor-Leste and ASEAN — for your wisdom, courage, and passion for peace.”
Meanwhile, this Forum is supported by Southeast Asia Women Peace Mediators, Centro Nacional Chega! I.P., Ministry of Finance, and the Australian Government. The event was attended by youths from Universities, Movements, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders.
>>>> READ TETUM VERSION