UKDW Strengthens International Commitment Through Strategic Partnership with Timor-Leste
Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) has strengthened its international engagement through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Timor-Leste’s Comité Orientador 25 (CO25) on May 26, 2026. The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on youth empowerment and peacebuilding initiatives.
The signing ceremony was attended by CO25 President Constâncio da Conceição Pinto, known as “Terus,” Vice General Secretary Maria Dadi Soares Magno, and Executive Director Eugénia Urania da Costa Correia. Representing UKDW, the agreement was signed by Rector Dr.-Ing. Wiyatingsih.
Through this partnership, UKDW and CO25 have committed to developing long-term collaborative programs, particularly those aimed at strengthening the capacity and leadership potential of young people in Timor-Leste.
Established by the Government of Timor-Leste, CO25 focuses on fostering leadership values and practical skills among young people to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development. The organization currently brings together 16 youth organizations actively engaged in community empowerment initiatives across the country.
According to Dr.-Ing. Wiyatingsih, the partnership creates significant opportunities for collaboration across various academic disciplines and research centers within UKDW.
“We see many opportunities for future collaboration involving UKDW’s research centers and faculty members. Through this partnership, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to the development of leadership capacity and character among young people in Timor-Leste,” she said.
The capacity-building programs being developed by the two institutions will cover a range of key topics, including leadership development, records management, and digital security. During the initial phase, the collaboration will focus on leadership training and conflict reconciliation programs facilitated by UKDW’s Center for the Study and Promotion of Peace (PSPP).
The first training cohort is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with additional cohorts to be introduced in subsequent phases of the program.
Through this partnership, UKDW and CO25 aim to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives, nurture responsible future leaders, and encourage greater youth participation in sustainable social development efforts across Timor-Leste.
The collaboration also reflects UKDW’s ongoing commitment to expanding its international partnerships while contributing academic expertise to address global and regional challenges through education, leadership development, and community engagement.
By ai | Ed. (ENG): drr
