LocationsYouth Conversations Fostering Leadership, Equality, and Civic Engagement
Empowering Timor-Leste's Youth : A Catalyst for Inclusive Democracy
December 20, 2024
Timor-Leste, one of the world's youngest nations, has a distinct demographic profile, with more than 70% of the population under the age of 35. Recognising the pivotal role that youth play in shaping the country's future, UNDP's Youth Conversations: Dada-lia ho Foin-sa'e sira project, under the Programme of Parliamentary Strengthening for Inclusive Democracy, Participatory Development, and Civic Engagement, has been working to amplify youth voices, increase civic engagement, and bridge the rural-urban divide to ensure that all voices are heard in decision-making processes.
In 2020, the UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub collaborated with Bhutan, Pakistan, and Timor-Leste to launch this initiative. Ekota, an AI-powered survey platform, was created in collaboration with CogCo (The Cognition Company), experts in human-behaviour AI-driven tools, to develop technology for large-scale engagement with the overarching goal of modeling how governments and legislatures could better consult their citizens on policy issues.
By combining innovative technologies with creative communications strategies, the project has evolved into a flagship platform by 2024, effectively connecting youth with decision-makers and fostering an inclusive democracy.
Participating in this initiative has allowed me to share my aspirations and experiences with others. Our voices and words have a powerful impact! The topics and quality of these conversations are extremely beneficial to young people. This project allows me to make my positive voice louder in my community.Maria Abrantes, Youth Parliament Alumni, Volunteer and guest on Coffee Talks Podcast Ep. 8 about Youth & Peace in Timor-Leste
The Youth Conversations project has leveraged social media platforms to amplify its message and engage a wide young audience gathering thousands of followers, with TikTok posts reaching 23K views. On facebook the audience, which is mostly between the ages of 25 and 34, is equally divided between men (51.3%) and women (48.7%), with the capital city of Dili accounting for most of the involvement. These indicators show that the project was successful in reaching young people online by creating relatable content, but they also showed that we were failing to reach young people in municipalities, who frequently lacked smartphones, internet access, and digital literacy.
For this reason, the Demokrasia Bis – Mobile Citizens Lab is one of the project’s most notable outreach initiatives in 2024. Designed to “Empower youth, one stop at a time”, this colorful bus, equipped with a podcast studio, travels to rural areas, bringing civic engagement right to the doorsteps of communities. The bus has engaged hundreds of young people by visiting schools, events, and local administration offices in the capital Dili as well as three municipalities—Liquiça, Manatuto, and Baucau. During five co-creation sessions, more than 188 young people (91 men and 97 women) engaged with 23 decision-makers (14 men and 9 women), from National Parliament, government institutions, and municipal authorities to discuss issues such as unemployment, entrepreneurship, gender equality and domestic labor. Insights from these discussions are shaping policies, with youth inputs informing the drafting of the Domestic Labor Law.
Demokrasia Bis
Carolina Silva/UNDP Timor-Leste
SDG Champions and Podcasts: Amplifying Youth Voices
To foster leadership and expand outreach, Youth Conversations created a team of SDG Champions—young advocates tackling critical issues like gender equality (SDG 5), and decent work (SDG 8), marine conservation (SDG 14), peace and justice (SGD16). These champions were central figures in the project’s digital platforms, including Coffee Talks and Viajen Politika, podcast series featuring youth leaders, policymakers, and experts.
With 18 episodes, these podcasts covered themes such as decentralization, gender-based violence, and digitalization. Episodes garnered tens of thousands of views—11,000 for decentralization discussions with the Minister of State Administration, Sr. Tomás Cabral, and 10,000 for gender equality conversations with the young female parliamentarian, Sra. Nurima Alkatiri—highlighting the demand for accessible governance content tailored to youth.
Nolasco Viegas Torrezão, SDG 10 Champion
Carolina Silva/UNDP Timor-Leste
I aim to ensure that young people's voices are represented equitably on international stages. Through Youth Conversations, which promotes my voice through media platforms, I can become an example in my country, showing communities and timorese society that our resources are in youth's hands. If not youth, who? If not now, when? Right?Nolasco Viegas Torrezão, Youth Conversations' Champion for SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
Human Rights Day: Youth at the Center of Advocacy
To mark Human Rights Day and the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Youth Conversations, in partnership with UN Women, hosted a live podcast featuring SDG Champions. Broadcasted on national television, the event brought together 69 participants (30 men and 39 women)—including members of Parliament, civil society leaders, and youth advocates—to discuss leadership, inclusion, and equality.
It is important to acknowledge youth' potential so that it can be used as a tool for the development of the nation. Invest more in youth. Provide quality formal and non-formal education. Give us more spaces to speak up if you want future quality leaders and a prosperous country!Maria Abrantes, Youth Parliament Alumni, Volunteer and guest on Coffee Talks Podcast Ep. 8 about Youth & Peace in Timor-Leste
Since its inception, the Youth Conversations project has empowered thousands of young people—both online and offline—including women and marginalized groups, equipping them with the tools to advocate for systemic change and actively shape governance processes. By bridging the gap between youth and policymakers, the project has directly influenced policy recommendations through co-creation sessions and sparked meaningful dialogue on critical issues. Campaigns have not only enhanced young people’s understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also raised their awareness of their rights and responsibilities in driving governance and sustainable development.
By addressing the rural/urban divide through initiatives like the Demokrasia Bis – Mobile Citizens Lab and combining digital innovation with in-person engagement, the project ensured no voice was left unheard. It created inclusive spaces where youth from all backgrounds could interact with policymakers, fostering a deeper connection between communities and governance.
Moreover, the project has strengthened trust and collaboration among youth leaders, government representatives, and civil society organizations, promoting social cohesion and a shared commitment to building a united Timor-Leste. This integrated approach has laid a robust foundation for inclusivity, resilience, and systemic change. The Youth Conversations project is a testament to the transformative power of youth engagement, proving that when young voices are amplified, nations move closer to achieving a future that is equitable, cohesive, and sustainable.