LDC ministers aligned climate priorities in Dili ahead of November’s COP31 negotiations.
Timor-Leste hosted a Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Dili on 3 September 2026 to define common priorities for the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). Vice Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, who also serves as Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, opened the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
The meeting was held during the LDC Group’s strategic discussions in Dili from 1 to 4 September, with representatives from 44 countries, including ministers, negotiators and experts. Timor-Leste, which holds the Chairmanship of the LDC Group, was represented by Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Ambassador Adão Soares Barbosa. The discussions took place ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, in November, with Ambassador Barbosa calling for a “clear and unified” negotiating position.
Discussions focused on climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, just transition, and loss and damage. Vice Prime Minister Lay said that LDCs have contributed little to the global climate crisis but remain among the countries most vulnerable to its impacts. The Group also sought adequate, predictable and accessible climate finance, faster implementation of National Adaptation Plans, stronger institutional capacity, and support for climate-related loss and damage.
The outcomes of the discussions were expected to shape a ministerial declaration that would serve as the guideline for the LDC Group’s participation at COP31 and in international climate negotiations.
Source: Government of Timor-Leste
