Dili, October 11th, 2024 – UNDP Night at the Dili International Film Festival (DIFF) 2024 brought together youth leaders, environmental advocates, and filmmakers to celebrate the power of young people in driving sustainable change.

As the sun set over Top Golf in Areia Branca, Metiaut, distinguished guests arrived. Representatives from the National Parliament, the Government—including members of the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Culture, and Art—alongside the private sector, NGOs, and other stakeholders, gathered for the final event of this year’s DIFF—UNDP Night.

Guests were welcomed with fresh coconuts and invited to explore exhibitions on the lawn. Among the featured attractions were the winners of the ASEAN Blue Innovation Challenge (ABIC) — Prospares WebTech, Bamboo Institute and Fundação NETIL— showcasing their groundbreaking initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable solutions for the region's oceans. These innovators exemplify the role of young entrepreneurial minds in addressing current challenges related to marine conservation and environmental sustainability.

The lawn also featured the Demokrasia Bis, the flagship initiative of UNDP’s Youth Conversations Project. This mobile citizen's lab is designed to enhance civic engagement, particularly among youth in remote areas of Timor-Leste, empowering them to contribute to policy discussions and fostering a more inclusive democracy. A live infographic captivated the audience by collecting real-time votes on the most critical issues Timor-Leste is currently facing. This initiative embodied the power of giving young voices a platform to actively shape their country's future.

Katyna Argueta, UNDP Timor-Leste Resident Representative, set the tone for the night with her opening remarks: "Nowadays, natural resources conservation is one of the most urgent concerns that all society faces. UNDP is committed to the promotion of environmental awareness and sustainable behaviors. This is a global struggle, this is a generational struggle, and young people have a special role in instigating action and change to a more sustainable and healthier planet."

Lena Lenzen, DIFF organizer, expressed her gratitude to UNDP for its continued support, praising the partnership as a meaningful collaboration that aligns with the festival’s goal of raising environmental awareness through cinema and youth-driven initiatives.

A key highlight of the evening was the dynamic Youth, Tourism & Conservation Panel Discussion, featuring active young Timorese leaders championing marine conservation and environmental sustainability. Elda da Costa from the Climate Change Directorate, Deddito Kayaka, founder of Underwater Cinema, and Terezinha Teme, the country’s first female scuba diver, engaged in a meaningful conversation moderated by Tom Schachtsieck, a renowned German TV host and filmmaker. The panel emphasized the urgency of environmental conservation, with panelists sharing personal stories of advocacy and encouraging the next generation to stand up for the environment.

Adding to the evening’s appeal, Tom Schachtsieck presented a screening of his film Young Adventurers, chronicling his exploration of Timor-Leste’s breathtaking landscapes, both underwater and on land. The documentary highlighted the country’s stunning natural beauty, cultural traditions, and conservation efforts, offering a fresh perspective on Timor-Leste’s potential.

The evening continued with the much-anticipated National Shorts Competition, bringing together a vibrant young Timorese audience to celebrate local filmmaking talent. The audience voted on their favorite short films, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to fostering creative expression and empowering young filmmakers to share their stories on the global stage.

UNDP Night at DIFF 2024 was a vibrant and successful event, uniting young changemakers, innovators, conservationists, and stakeholders to inspire a generation ready to lead Timor-Leste into a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future.