Licypriya named Goodwill Ambassador of East Timor
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 09 2022: 10 years old environmental activist Licypriya Kangujam has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador of the Republic of East Timor (Timor Leste), Asia's youngest Nation by President of East Timor cum Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Jose Ramos Horta for environment and human fraternity.

"This is thought to be the first time an Indian young activist has been appointed to such a high level position in the world by any country.

But analysts say Ms Kangujam's appointment is of special significance given to 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," said Licypriya in a statement.

Licypriya named Goodwill Ambassador of East Timor

Licypriya told the media, "I'm deeply honoured to be appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for the Republic of East Timor by His Excellency Dr Jose Ramos Horta.

I specially would like to thank the President and the people of East Timor for their faith in me.

I can feel the deep sense of responsibility as a global voice for the highly climate vulnerable island countries like East Timor.

"I will work with the children and youth of East Timor to amplify their voices.

They're highly vulnerable to climate change & the rich world must fulfill their obligations now to protect the future of the children of the global south! Our leaders must walk the talk!" she added.

Licypriya was invited as a special guest of honour for the inauguration of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Jose Ramos Horta as the new President of East Timor, Asia's youngest Nation on May 20 this year.

The day marked the 20th anniversary of the Independence of East Timor.

"I will be visiting East Timor in December.

I have 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 the President agreed the same.

He may likely visit India next year", she further added.

Dr Jose Ramos Horta was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996 for his efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to a guerrilla war in East Timor against Indonesia's occupation of the former Portuguese colony.

Licypriya will be travelling to United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA next week to attend the UNESCO Transforming Education Summit 2022 during the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly 2022 on the invitation of the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Licypriya has been championing her cause since six-years-old to protect, preserve and nurture the environment by fighting climate change.

She is one of the youngest climate activists globally and addressed the world leaders in the United Nations Climate Conference 2019 (COP25) in Madrid, Spain calling the world leaders to take immediate climate actions to save their future.

She is an outspoken young leader inspiring millions of people around the World and one of the leading voices for climate change in the World.