Timor-Leste demonstrates strong commitment to anti-corruption efforts at UNCAC COSP11 in Doha　

The Timor‑Leste delegation participated actively, comprehensively, and strategically in the 11th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP11), held in Doha, Qatar, from 15 to 19 December 2025.

The high‑level international event, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in partnership with the Government of Qatar, brought together more than 2,500 participants from 192 States Parties to the UNCAC, as well as representatives from international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academia.

COSP11 serves as a global platform to assess progress, exchange experiences, and collectively shape future strategies for the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

Timor‑Leste's participation in COSP11 reflects the State's continued commitment to strengthening the rule of law, good governance, transparency, and public accountability, particularly in efforts to prevent and combat corruption and transnational crime.

The Timor‑Leste delegation was led by His Excellency the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, and included representatives from the National Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), the Office of the Prosecutor‑General of the Republic (PGR), the Anti‑Corruption Commission (CAC), the Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC), the Human Capital Development Fund (FDCH), and the Public Service Commission (CFP).

During the COSP11 High‑Level Plenary Session, Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas delivered Timor‑Leste's official statement, highlighting the country's strategic priorities in legal and institutional reform, strengthening the national integrity system, modernizing public administration, and enhancing international cooperation to prevent and combat corruption, organized crime, and transnational crime.

The Minister reaffirmed Timor‑Leste's full support for the UNCAC multilateral framework and underscored the importance of UNODC as a key strategic partner for technical assistance and capacity‑building initiatives.

In the plenary session, the Anti‑Corruption Commissioner, Rui Pereira dos Santos, presented Timor‑Leste's country statement focusing on progress and results under the Implementation Review Mechanism (IRM) for the second cycle of UNCAC, particularly Chapter II (Preventive Measures) and Chapter V (Asset Recovery).

Commissioner Rui highlighted Timor‑Leste's significant progress in strengthening the legal framework, enhancing prevention mechanisms, and building institutional capacity, while also identifying key challenges and priorities for future technical assistance.

Courtesy Visit and Technical Engagement with UNODC

Within the framework of the official conference program, the Timor‑Leste delegation conducted a technical visit to the UNODC Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime in Doha. The visit aimed to deepen understanding of contemporary responses to cybercrime, digital evidence management, and the links between corruption, cybercrime, and organized crime.

During the visit, discussions were held to explore future cooperation in digital forensics, advanced investigative techniques, and the use of modern technology. The Centre was also identified as a potential training hub to enhance the capacity of Timor‑Leste investigators in addressing cybercrime.

In addition, CAC technical teams held specialized meetings with UNODC experts to discuss the development of anti‑corruption education and the adaptation of curricula at the national level. Topics included prevention, public integrity, financial investigation, asset declaration verification, illicit enrichment, and youth‑focused anti‑corruption education at both primary and higher education levels.

A separate meeting was held with UNODC on combating illegal gambling and smuggling, which are increasingly recognized as components of transnational organized crime. The meeting addressed investigative mechanisms, forensic tools, and the potential integration of artificial intelligence in law enforcement. UNODC also invited Timor‑Leste to participate in an international conference to be held in Vienna in 2026, focusing on the nexus between corruption and transnational organized crime.

Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements

On the margins of COSP11, CAC, PCIC, and PGR participated in meetings with the UN Global Network to discuss Timor‑Leste's accession and the facilitation of formal and informal cooperation, including information sharing and mutual legal assistance in cross‑border corruption and asset recovery cases.

Bilateral meetings were also held with the Portuguese delegation to strengthen institutional relations and explore technical and legal cooperation in justice, corruption prevention, and professional training.

The delegation further engaged with the Australian delegation to discuss strategic partnerships in combating corruption, transnational crime, and organized crime. Australia expressed its readiness to support capacity development, particularly for investigators, including through regional cooperation with ASEAN Member States.

In addition, the Timor‑Leste delegation met with INTERPOL to discuss cooperation in strengthening investigative capacity, data sharing, and international collaboration in addressing cybercrime, money laundering, and drug trafficking. INTERPOL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Timor‑Leste in modernizing investigative practices and enhancing integration into global law enforcement networks.