On 17 December 2024, Fundasaun Hadomi Timor (FHT) successfully organized a National Seminar on Internet Infrastructure Development for Social and Economic Transformation in Timor-Leste, held at the IOB Hall in Dili. This landmark event brought together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss the current state, challenges, and opportunities of internet infrastructure as a catalyst for national development.

In Timor-Leste, internet penetration remains low, with access and affordability still significant barriers, especially in rural and remote areas. While progress has been made in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, gaps in regulation, investment, and digital inclusion persist. The seminar was a timely response to these challenges, creating space for multi-sector dialogue to push for a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable digital future for all Timorese.

From the perspective of FHT, the development of internet infrastructure is not only a technical challenge but a social and human rights issue. FHT emphasized that digital access must be recognized as a basic enabler of education, economic opportunity, civic participation, and public service delivery. In this context, FHT called for stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to ensure that no one—particularly youth, women, and people in remote areas—is left behind in the country’s digital transformation. The seminar served as a platform to advocate for inclusive digital policies and to elevate civil society’s voice in shaping the national digital agenda.

The seminar opened with Panel 1, which featured insightful contributions from:

• Mr. James Gomez, Director of Asia Centre
• Mr. Eng. Ambrosio Manuel Barreto Amaral, Director of DNIC
• Mr. Justo Fernandes, Director of Software Development, TIC TIMOR I.P
• Mr. Abel da Silva Pires, Former Member of Parliament and Minister
• Ms. Zevonia Vieira, President of AJTL
• Mr. Dedi da Silva, Chief Investigator, PCIC
• Mr. Jose Dias, Chairman, TL-NOG

Moderated by Mr. Nicho Linux, Executive Director of FHT, the panel provided diverse perspectives on national connectivity strategies, digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and the need for inclusive infrastructure that serves all citizens equitably.

Panel 2 continued with equally dynamic dialogue, featuring:

• H.E. Mr. Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, Secretary of State for Social Communication
• Mr. Abilio Caldas, Coordinator of APNIC in Timor-Leste
• Mr. Eligio do Rego, Vice President, ICT-TL

Participants included representatives from civil society organizations, the media, academia, private sector, and government institutions, all contributing to discussions on how robust internet infrastructure can accelerate Timor-Leste’s social and economic transformation.

This important event was made possible with generous support from the Office of Support to Civil Society (Gabinete de Apoio à Sociedade Civil – GASC) and reflects FHT’s ongoing commitment to advancing digital rights, connectivity, and inclusive development.