Licypriya appointed Goodwill Ambassador of East Timor
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 10 2022:
Ten-year old environmental activist Licypriya Kangujam has appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for Environment and Human Fraternity of the Republic of East Timor (Timor Leste), Asia's youngest nation by President of East Timor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Jose Ramos Horta.
Licypriya is the first Indian youth to be appointed to such a high level position in the world by any country.
Stating that she is truly honoured with the appointment and pledging to give her all to reduce the adverse impact of climate change in vulnerable island countries like East Timor, Licypriya said, "I will work with the children and youths of East Timor to amplify their voices.
They're highly vulnerable to climate change & the rich countries must fulfil their obligations now to protect the future of children of the global south.
Our leaders must walk the talk" .
The announcement of her appointment was made when she visited East Timor for inauguration of President Dr Jose Ramos Horta on May 20, which also marked the 20th anniversary of the Independence of East Timor.
She also talked to President Horta to open an Embassy in New Delhi to work closely with India as a key climate, economic and strategic partner and has invited him to visit India soon.
It is said that that Licypriya's appointment is of special significance as it can strengthen relations between East Timor and India in terms of mitigating climate change, East Timor is highly vulnerable to climate change with sea level rising, frequent floods, cyclones, droughts, landslides and soil erosion.
Mention may be made Nobel laureate Jose Ramos-Horta scored a landslide victory in East Timor's presidential election.
The victory gave Ramos - Horta his second term in office.
He served as President of Southeast Asia's youngest country from 2007 to 2012 and was also the country's first Prime Minister.