2026 34th Annual Program – Timor-Leste

Diplomacy Training Program's 34th Annual Human Rights and Peoples' Diplomacy Training Program for Human Rights Defenders from the Asia-Pacific Region opened on 22 August 2026 with a key note presentation and sessions with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, Professor Surya Deva.

The program was officially launched on 24 August 2026  at the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL).  Participants were joined by special guest of honour HE Milena Rangel, the Vice Minister of ASEAN Affairs for Timor-Leste, the Vice-Rector of UNTL and Professor Armindo Maia, Director of the Human Rights Centre and Adriano Remiddi representing the Global Campus on Human Rights.

Twenty-six human rights defenders from sixteen countries across the Asia-Pacific region are participating in this two-week intensive residential program of knowledge sharing, skills and network building.

Professor Justine Nolan, Director of  UNSW’s Australian Human Rights Institute led sessions on human rights and the United Nations human rights system, and Dr Mike Hayes of Mahidol University led sessions on the human rights approach to development and advocacy.

The program continues until 5 September 2026, with participants excited to meet DTP’s Founder and Patron, President H.E. José Ramos Horta on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.  That evening, the Australian and New Zealand Ambassadors will jointly host a reception for the participants.

DTP acknowledges funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DFAT and generous individual supporters.

About the Program

Click here to download the Program's Concept Note.

Program Materials

Program Schedule

Opening Remarks - Professor Armindo Maia, Director HRC-UNTL

Opening Remarks by the Acting Rector of the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa'e (UNTL)

Trainers

Professor Surya Deva

Professor Justine Nolan

Dr Mike Hayes

Arul Prakkash