Timor-Leste Presents Progress in Digital Transformation and Strengthens International Cooperation at Global AI Summit in Seoul
From October 19th to 22nd, 2026, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, participated in the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026, where he presented Timor-Leste’s progress in digital transformation and called for stronger international cooperation to support developing countries in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). On the sidelines of the Summit, the Minister also met with representatives of the Republic of Korea and Estonia to explore opportunities for cooperation in digital transformation, e-government, and cybersecurity.
The Global AI & Digital Summit 2026 was organised by the World Bank Group in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea. The Summit brought together government officials, development partners, private-sector representatives, researchers, and other stakeholders to discuss how AI and digital technologies can be applied to development, including job creation, increased productivity, and improved public services.
Discussions also covered the conditions required for inclusive digital transformation, particularly the expansion of connectivity and access to technology, the development of digital public infrastructure, preparedness for AI adoption, and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure its responsible use.
During his participation, Minister Miguel Manetelu presented details of ongoing investments to strengthen Timor-Leste’s digital infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the submarine fibre-optic cable and the national connectivity project, which is intended to extend the fibre-optic network to the country’s more remote areas.
“We highlighted these two projects because telecommunications and digital infrastructure are essential foundations for the development of artificial intelligence. Without adequate infrastructure, it is difficult to develop and use AI effectively. These two projects will serve as key pillars to facilitate the adoption and use of AI technologies in Timor-Leste in the future,” stated the Minister.
The Minister also presented plans to establish a National Data Centre and dedicated cybersecurity facilities. The Government is preparing a feasibility study for the National Data Centre, which aims to address the technological requirements of digitalisation—including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology—and to provide mechanisms for system recovery and operational continuity.
Miguel Manetelu also called for stronger international cooperation to support developing countries in building the technical, institutional, and legal capacities required for the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The Minister warned of risks associated with the misuse of these technologies, particularly those affecting privacy, personal reputation, and the spread of false information. He also emphasised the need to promote digital literacy and to develop appropriate legal frameworks.
In this context, the 9th Constitutional Government, through the Ministry of Transport and Communications and TIC TIMOR, I.P., is implementing digital literacy initiatives to promote the safe and responsible use of digital platforms and technologies.
On the sidelines of the Summit, Miguel Manetelu met with the Second Vice-Minister of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, Ryu Je-myung, alongside representatives from Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Mongolia.
During the meeting, participants presented updates on their respective countries’ progress in digital transformation and in readiness for AI adoption and discussed potential areas of cooperation with the Republic of Korea.
“We all presented on the progress of digital transformation in our respective countries. Timor-Leste explained that the effective adoption of AI depends on the availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure. We shared this information to explore opportunities for cooperation with South Korea,” Miguel Manetelu stated.
Identified possibilities included the sharing of knowledge and experience, and capacity building for Timorese technical personnel, particularly in cybersecurity and the application of artificial intelligence technologies. The discussions were exploratory in nature and may continue at the technical level to identify specific areas for collaboration.
On October 21st, Minister Miguel Manetelu met the Director-General of Estonia’s Department of Digital and Cyber Diplomacy, Priit Turk, to discuss potential areas of cooperation in digital transformation, e-government, and cybersecurity.
“The bilateral meeting with the Estonian delegation took place following an invitation we received. The delegation sought to learn about Timor-Leste’s plans and vision for the future and to discuss opportunities for joint initiatives and support, particularly in digital transformation and e-government,” the Minister stated.
Estonia has extensive experience in the digitalisation of public administration, including digital identity, system interoperability, and the delivery of electronic public services. During the meeting, participants discussed opportunities to share this experience with Timor-Leste and to develop technical capacities in digital transformation and cybersecurity.
The meeting built on contacts established the previous week during Singapore International Cyber Week, when Miguel Manetelu received an invitation from Estonia’s Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, to deepen bilateral cooperation in these domains.
Timor-Leste and Estonia agreed to continue technical-level discussions through the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Office of Digitalisation and Cybersecurity, and other relevant entities to identify specific areas of cooperation before proceeding to formal instruments.
Timor-Leste’s participation in the Global AI & Digital Summit is part of the Government’s broader efforts to develop the infrastructure and capacity required for national digital transformation, while expanding international technical cooperation in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
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